Hyderabad: Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar handed over financial assistance of ₹90.85 lakh to the family of late TGSRTC driver Kola Shankar under the RTC employees’ voluntary “Cheyutha” initiative at RTC Kala Bhavan in Hyderabad on Monday.
The assistance, voluntarily contributed by TGSRTC employees, was presented to Shankar’s wife Hemalatha, son Hemanth, and daughter Shalini in the presence of TGSRTC Managing Director Y. Nagi Reddy.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said TGSRTC is not just a transport organization but a family of thousands of employees, and the overwhelming support extended to the bereaved family reflects the humanitarian values of the workforce.
Ponnam Prabhakar announced that the state government has decided to provide a job in TGSRTC to Shankar’s son, Hemanth, and has also sanctioned a house for the family. He reiterated that the government remains committed to the welfare and security of RTC employees and their families.
The Minister highlighted that the government has been addressing long-pending issues of RTC employees since assuming office. He noted that under the Mahalakshmi Scheme, the government provides around ₹300 crore every month to TGSRTC to support free bus travel for women, while appreciating the dedication of RTC staff despite increased workloads.
He also stated that RTC employees, including outsourced staff with an annual income below ₹6 lakh, are eligible to apply for Indiramma Housing. The government is also working to resolve issues faced by retired employees.
Ponnam Prabhakar further assured that the RTC merger process would begin after employee union elections, in line with the recommendations of the ministerial committee. He also announced plans to develop a modern bus terminal in the Cure Area, expand bus services to new routes, and strengthen integration with Metro Rail and MMTS services.
TGSRTC Managing Director Y. Nagi Reddy praised the employees for collectively contributing ₹90.85 lakh to support the family, calling it a shining example of solidarity and teamwork within the organization. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to employee welfare, improved working conditions, passenger safety, and modernization through digital services, online ticketing, and upgraded buses.
Late driver Kola Shankar’s wife, Hemalatha, expressed gratitude to the RTC employees and the government for standing by her family during difficult times and thanked everyone who contributed to the financial assistance.