Safeguarding RTC AP Government's Priority, Says Chairman Narayana

Vijayawada: Safeguarding the interests of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation and its workers remains a top priority of the government, APSRTC chairman Konakalla Narayana emphasised on Friday.

Crediting the success of the government flagship Stree Shakti scheme to the corporation officers, staff and workers, Narayana assured that all issues related to the employee will be resolved in a phased manner.

Addressing the second state conference of the National Mazdoor Unity Association (NMUA) at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium in Vijayawada on Friday, Narayana underlined that without the commitment of workers, even a single wheel of the RTC cannot move. He assured that the coalition government will take firm steps to strengthen the corporation.

Speaking on the occasion, RTC managing director Dwaraka Tirumala Rao dispelled doubts over pending arrears to corporation employees. He said proposals have already been submitted to the government to start the payment of pending arrears.

Tirumala pointed out that while road accidents have increased by 7 per cent across the state, accidents involving RTC buses have decreased by 9 per cent. He said efforts are underway to enhance insurance to ₹1 crore for accidental death and ₹10 lakh for natural death.

AP NGGO Association president A. Vidyasagar highlighted the JAC's efforts to resolve long-pending issues, such as DA arrears, retirement benefits, gratuity and childcare leave for women employees. NMUA state president P.V. Ramana Reddy reiterated that the association is relentlessly fighting for the workers’ rights.

Those who attended the conference included Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Rammohan Rao, former MLC P. Ashok Babu, senior NGO leaders, RTC zonal chairpersons and a large number of RTC workers.