Revanth Reddy Makes Fervent Appeal To RTC Employees To Withdraw Strike Notice
The RTC is recovering from losses and started moving on to the path of getting profits: CM
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday appealed to RTC employees and workers to withdraw their proposed strike from May 7, cautioning that such action could deepen the ongoing financial crisis in the corporation and the state. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the legitimate demands of employees, despite financial constraints inherited from the previous BRS government.
Speaking at the May Day celebrations held at Ravindra Bharathi, Revanth Reddy said the BRS government had pushed the state into a severe financial crisis, saddling it with a staggering Rs 8.29 lakh crore debt over the past decade. “We are forced to spend Rs 10,000 crore every month just to repay loans and clear pending bills left behind by the previous government,” he said.
Elaborating on the financial strain, Revanth Reddy noted that the state’s monthly revenue stood at Rs 18,500 crore, of which Rs 6,500 crore was allocated to salaries and pensions and another Rs 6,500 crore to service debt. "After spending Rs 13,000 crore, we are left with just Rs 5,500 crore, while our total monthly expenditure is Rs 22,500 crore, leaving a deficit of Rs 5,000 crore every month," he explained.
“I want to fulfil the demands of employees and workers regarding salaries and allowances. But where is the money? I am ready to hand over the state treasury to employees and workers and let them suggest what schemes should continue or stop,” the Chief Minister stated, underscoring the dire situation.
He urged RTC workers to withdraw their strike notice and engage in dialogue with the transport minister. Highlighting that RTC had recently started earning profits, he said that the responsibility of protecting the corporation lies equally with its employees. “We will put all the income into your hands, and you suggest what the government should do. The government will not take a single rupee,” he assured.
Revanth Reddy also lauded the role of staff of the Singareni Collieries, RTC and electricity department and unorganised workers in Telangana’s development. He promised the introduction of a new gig workers policy soon, which he said would be a model for the entire country.
Reminding workers of the 2019 RTC strike suppression under the BRS regime, during which 50 workers reportedly lost their lives, Revanth Reddy urged them not to fall into the "poisonous trap" of BRS leaders who, he alleged, had neglected the state for a decade. “I ask for your trust. The financial situation is slowly improving and will stabilise by next year. Together, we can ensure Telangana continues to rise,” he said.
