RTC Depot Privatisation Issue to be Discussed in Assembly
The issue of RTC depot privatisation, under the pretext of introducing electric buses, will be discussed in the Assembly on Tuesday. This was confirmed by Jadcherla MLA Janampally Anirudh Reddy.
In a press release on Monday, Reddy raised concerns about the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model that RTC is using to acquire electric buses. This model aims to reduce diesel dependency and promote environmental sustainability. However, he pointed out that private firms supplying these buses are also hiring drivers and mechanics, leaving only conductors under RTC’s payroll.
Labor unions fear that this move could result in thousands of RTC drivers, mechanics, and supervisory staff losing their jobs. The MLA also claimed that some depots have already been handed over to private firms, as reported in the media.
In response to these concerns, Reddy has raised a question in the Assembly, which is expected to be discussed on Tuesday.
Apart from the RTC issue, the MLA also brought up the matter of pending subsidies under the T-Pride scheme. This scheme was designed to help SC, ST youth and persons with disabilities purchase vehicles.
Reddy accused the previous BRS government of failing to release the 45% subsidy for several years, causing financial difficulties for beneficiaries. His question regarding this issue was listed for discussion on Monday but was not taken up due to time constraints.
He assured that the government would provide a written response about the status of these pending payments. He stressed that thousands of Dalits and disabled individuals have been waiting for their subsidies since 2019, and the government’s response will clarify when the payments will be made.
