Maintain transparency in RTC talks: Chukka Ramaiah

Bagh Lingampally: Intellectual Forum organised a press conference here at Sundaraiah Vignana Kendram on Monday. Noted educationist Chukka Ramaiah, civil rights leader professor Haragopal and senior journalist Nageshwar participated in the press conference.

Speaking to the media persons, Chukka Ramaiah urged the state government to maintain transparency in its discussions with RTC employees to resolve the strike. Condemning the remarks made by CM K Chandrasekhar Rao on the strike, he said that it was improper for the government to take severe action of dismissing RTC employees.

The employees have been undergoing severe mental stress due to government's actions, he said. Referring to the authorities for not allowing mobile phones during their talks with RTC JAC leaders, Ramaiah termed it as undemocratic and said that the government should be answerable to its actions.

Professor Haragopal alleged that the state government lacked sincere intent to conduct talks with RTC leaders. The talks were only held in response to the directives of the court, rather than with an intention to resolve the strike. "Government should remember that it not just the question of 57,000 employees, but of the state public transport," he said.

Haragopal said that the people in rural areas have been facing a lot of difficulty due the RTC strike. He suggested the government to act responsibly and to hold talks in an atmosphere conducive to the outcomes.

Professor Nageshwar criticized the state government for holding discussions on 21 demands, while RTC JAC had put forward 26 demands. He termed the CM's claim that RTC is in losses as a lie.

The performance of RTC has been better for the last four years. He demanded the state government to respect the High Court's directive to conduct talks. He alleged that the state government has been trying to fail the strike, instead of resolving it.