Telangana Transport Minister Addresses RTC Issues and Unveils Road Safety Campaign
In a significant development, Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar addressed pressing concerns related to the Road Transport Corporation (RTC) during an event held at the Khairatabad transport department office in Hyderabad. The minister also launched a comprehensive poster campaign as part of the "Arrive Alive" road safety initiative, aimed at enhancing public safety on the roads.
RTC Merger and Employee Demands Under Scrutiny
Minister Prabhakar provided clarity on the proposed merger of the RTC with the government, stating that the proposal is currently under examination by a dedicated committee. He emphasized the government's openness to discussions on various demands raised by RTC employees, with the exception of two unresolved issues that remain under review. The minister assured that all matters concerning staff welfare will be addressed promptly and urged employees to avoid what he described as "provoked strikes," advocating for dialogue instead.
Highlighting recent progress, Prabhakar confirmed that pending Dearness Allowance (DA) dues for employees have been cleared. Additionally, the government is actively considering decisions based on recommendations from the Pay Revision Commission, indicating a commitment to improving employee benefits and working conditions.
"Arrive Alive" Initiative to Combat Road Accidents
The newly launched "Arrive Alive" programme is designed to analyse the root causes of road accidents and implement effective measures to reduce their occurrence. Over the next six days, review meetings will be conducted across all districts in Telangana to assess progress and ensure proper implementation of safety protocols. The primary objective of this initiative is to prevent accidents and minimise the loss of life on the state's roads.
Minister Prabhakar introduced the "Golden Hour" concept, which focuses on providing timely medical attention to accident victims within the first critical hour. Individuals who assist in ensuring victims receive this prompt care will be eligible for the "Rahaveer Award," recognizing their heroic efforts. Furthermore, RTC employees who have completed 30 years of service without a single accident will be formally honoured, promoting a culture of safety and responsibility within the transport sector.
This dual approach of addressing employee concerns while launching a proactive safety campaign underscores the government's holistic strategy to improve both working conditions and public safety in Telangana's transport system.
