Hyderabad, Feb 19 (TNT): Telangana Jagruthi President and former BRS MP, K. Kavitha on Thursday accused the Congress government in Telangana of “betraying” Road Transport Corporation (RTC) workers and failing to implement its pre-poll promise of merging the corporation with the state government.
Addressing a press conference at the Telangana Jagruthi office here, Kavitha demanded that the upcoming Budget Session allocate dedicated funds for the long-pending merger of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC).
She said the RTC merger bill had already been passed and questioned the delay in its implementation.
Targeting Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Kavitha alleged that the government had turned its back on RTC workers after coming to power.
“RTC workers are being pushed into extreme labour exploitation, forced to work 16 to 18 hours a day,” she said, alleging organised oppression.
Kavitha, the daughter of BRS Chief and former Chief Minister KCR, also questioned the rollout of free bus services without increasing fleet strength and sought a white paper on funds released under the Mahalakshmi scheme.
She demanded immediate reinstatement of nearly 1,000 workers who were allegedly dismissed and called for free bus travel facilities for persons with disabilities.
Alleging a move towards privatisation, she claimed there was a conspiracy to weaken RTC through outsourcing, particularly in electric bus operations, and warned against handing over operations to private firms.
Kavitha said RTC employees had suffered during a 52-day strike under the previous regime and alleged that workers continue to face pressure and uncertainty.
She also criticised the absence of a chairman and functional unions within the corporation.
Announcing support for the RTC workers’ proposed “Chalo Secretariat” protest on the 24th, Kavitha said Telangana Jagruthi would intensify its agitation if the government failed to address the workers’ demands.
“RTC is being systematically weakened. This betrayal will not be tolerated,” she added.
TNT TS
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