APSRTC employees’ JAC seeks settlement of long-pending demands

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the A.P. Public Transport Department (APPTD)-APSRTC Employees’ Unions on Wednesday submitted a comprehensive memorandum to the Ministers’ Committee at the State Secretariat, seeking resolution of long-pending demands of APSRTC employees and measures to strengthen the public transport corporation.

In a statement issued later, APPTD (APSRTC) Employees’ JAC State conveners Y. Srinivasa Rao and P. Damodara Rao said the memorandum sought the government’s intervention to address employee grievances and safeguard the Corporation.

The JAC demanded immediate clearance of all pending financial dues payable to APSRTC employees, implementation of the Pay Revision Commission (PRC) recommendations without further delay, and payment of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears and other financial benefits.

It also urged the government to settle pending gratuity and leave encashment dues of retired employees, fill all vacant posts through regular recruitment, and procure at least 4,000 new buses through APSRTC to meet the increased passenger demand under the Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme.

The employee unions further sought timely release of the full monthly reimbursement of ₹350 crore towards the Stree Shakti scheme and other concession schemes. They opposed the policy of entrusting electric bus operations to private operators and urged the government to abandon plans to privatise APSRTC assets, depots and services.

Expressing concern over the increasing number of attacks on RTC employees, the JAC demanded that the existing ban on employee transfers be lifted and transfers be taken up under the earlier system. It also sought extension of the promotion freeze period until August to facilitate promotions for around 3,500 eligible employees.

The JAC said the Employees Health Scheme (EHS) was not adequately benefiting APSRTC employees and appealed for restoration of the medical facilities that were available before the merger. It also sought suitable alternative employment for medically unfit employees and early completion of all pending compassionate appointments.

The JAC urged the State government to take an early decision on the issues raised, warning that it would intensify its agitation if the demands remained unresolved.

The leaders said the JAC would decide its future course of action at a meeting scheduled for July 30, based on the government’s response.