Khalid Saifullah urges end to RTC strike in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Syed Khalid Saifullah, President of the Hyderabad District Congress Committee, on Friday appealed to employees of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation to end the ongoing RTC strike and resume duties, stating that the majority of their demands had already been addressed by the government.

During his visit to the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station, he interacted with striking employees and union leaders. He was accompanied by DCC vice-presidents and party office-bearers. He urged workers to prioritise public interest and return to work.

Majority demands addressed in ongoing RTC strike, says Saifullah

Speaking to the media, Saifullah said that out of 32 demands raised by employees, 29 had been accepted and were resolvable. He emphasised that the government had demonstrated commitment rather than neglect. Moreover, he said that continuing the RTC strike at this stage was unnecessary and counterproductive.

He noted that a four-member committee had been formed to review unresolved issues such as RTC merger and union recognition. At the same time, he highlighted financial steps taken by the government, including timely salary payments on the first of every month.

Additionally, pending PRC and DA dues had been cleared, while liabilities such as 2013 bonds were settled. Provident Fund dues were reduced from Rs 1,205 crore to around Rs 600 crore, and CCS liabilities decreased from Rs 690 crore to nearly Rs 300 crore. He further stated that Rs 75 crore was being paid monthly to stabilise RTC finances.

On employment, he said 4,538 recruitments were underway. Furthermore, 1,134 compassionate appointments were granted, and around 250 dismissed employees were reinstated.

Saifullah warned that disruptions could reverse financial recovery. He stressed that RTC serves nearly 65 lakh passengers daily, including women, students, workers and patients, making the RTC strike highly impactful on vulnerable groups.

He also criticised the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, accusing it of fuelling unrest through provocative statements.

He expressed condolences over the death of RTC driver Shankar Goud and assured support to the bereaved family. Finally, he urged unions to resolve issues through dialogue and end the RTC strike.