Hyderabad: Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar urged RTC strike withdrawal, calling on employees to drop their proposed agitation in the interest of the organisation and the public.
He said the government remained open to resolving employee concerns through discussions. However, he clarified that issues related to RTC merger and labour unions fell within the government’s purview and would be handled accordingly.
The Minister said the government’s doors were always open for dialogue. He assured employees that grievances could be addressed through a structured and amicable process.
He also highlighted recent financial measures. A 2.1 percent DA had been implemented for RTC employees, and no DA arrears were pending, he said. He added that the government was examining the PRC issue while maintaining its focus on employee welfare.
RTC strike withdrawal linked to merger and reforms
Ponnam Prabhakar said the RTC strike withdrawal was crucial at a time when the organisation was stabilising. Ponnam Prabhakar recalled that the previous government had formed a committee on September 9, 2023, regarding RTC merger but advanced the process hastily before elections.
He said consecutive elections, from Assembly to Lok Sabha polls, delayed a structured approach to the merger issue. He stressed that any decision on employee merger required a detailed study, considering the state’s financial position.
The Minister also cited early initiatives of the present government. Within 48 hours of assuming office, it launched the Mahalakshmi scheme, offering free bus travel for women.
He said this initiative strengthened RTC operations. The organisation, which once faced survival challenges, was now recovering, with over 90 depots reporting profits.
Ponnam Prabhakar said reforms under the scheme improved financial stability. PF dues had reduced from ₹1,205 crore to ₹600 crore, while CCS dues dropped from ₹690 crore to ₹300 crore.
RTC strike withdrawal appeal amid service expansion
The Minister said RTC strike withdrawal was necessary to avoid inconvenience to passengers. He noted that disruptions would affect public transport services and weaken the organisation’s recovery.
He also highlighted expansion measures. The government introduced 2,978 new buses and provided 1,134 compassionate appointments.
He said recruitment examinations had been completed and new employees would soon join duty. These steps, he added, aimed to strengthen RTC services and workforce capacity.
Ponnam Prabhakar reiterated that the government prioritised three areas: protecting the RTC institution, ensuring employee welfare, and maintaining passenger convenience.
He concluded by urging employees to reconsider their decision. He said RTC strike withdrawal would help resolve issues through dialogue while sustaining the organisation’s growth.
Appeal to RTC Employees to Withdraw Strike in Public Interest: Minister Ponnam Prabhakar
State Transport and BC Welfare Minister @Ponnam_INC urged RTC employees to withdraw their proposed strike in the interest of the organization and the public. He stated that the government… pic.twitter.com/GG16eHBDKx
— IPRDepartment (@IPRTelangana) April 14, 2026