Tamilisai approves bill on RTC merger with govt

[Anta Assamey]

In yet another instance of renewed friendship between Raj Bhavan and Pragati Bhavan, Telangana governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan on Thursday granted assent to the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (Absorption of Employees into Government Service) Bill-2023.

The bill seeks to merge the employees of RTC into the state government and treat them on par with the other government employees.

With the approval of the bill, the RTC employees will now become government employees with immediate effect.

“The Governor, having thoroughly assessed the government's actions in response to her ten recommendations, which were made in consideration of employee representations and the overall welfare of the corporation, is satisfied that these recommendations have been diligently addressed,” a press communique from Raj Bhavan said.

Tamilisai extended her heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all TSRTC employees as they embark on their new roles as government employees.

Earlier, the governor made several recommendations. They include: the ownership of the lands, assets, and properties of the TSRTC should vest with the Corporation itself for its sole and exclusive use, even after the absorption of RTC employees as government employees. The government should give an explicit undertaking to that effect.

She said the assets be finally divided, and the process completed between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh pursuant to the AP Reorganization Act. She also wanted clarification on clearing the arrears from the erstwhile APSRTC.

She recommended that the emoluments of the RTC employees once absorbed as government employees be on the same scale as other state government employees following pay scales, service rules, and regulations vis-à-vis salary, transfers, promotions, retirement pensions, or provident funds, and other gratuities.

If RTC absorbed employees are sent on deputation to other departments, it is recommended that their grade, pay, salary, and promotions, etc., be protected for their benefit so that there is no disturbance vis-à-vis their elevations and promotions.

[JANASENA]

Wow malla KCR aa ee sari kooda