“Harish Rao’s Open Letter to CM Revanth Reddy Regarding RTC Merger”
BRS leader and former Minister T Harish Rao urged the State government to accelerate the merger of the State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) with the government by promptly announcing the long-awaited ‘Appointment Day’. He emphasized in a letter to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy that the Congress Party had pledged to complete the merger process during the Assembly elections. The merger, initially proposed by the previous BRS administration, saw bills passed in the Assembly. Despite initial hurdles with the Governor seeking clarifications, eventual approval was granted after the government provided the necessary clarifications. RTC employees have been pushing for the approval of these bills. However, the announcement of the Appointed Day was delayed due to the election code of conduct. Harish Rao stressed the government’s responsibility to ensure timely payment of salaries to RTC employees from the treasury.
RTC employees and workers anticipated the conclusion of the merger process coinciding with the government’s introduction of free travel for women on RTC buses. Harish Rao emphasized the urgency for the government to issue the merger order, while also highlighting the significant increase in RTC bus users across the state. He urged the government to procure an additional 2000 buses to accommodate the growing demand, proposing the purchase of 1000 diesel buses and the continuation of the BRS regime’s initiative of leasing 500 electric buses. Additionally, he made a plea to the Chief Minister to consider making cash payments for the Pay Revision Commission bonds issued by the government.
