Telangana: Decision on permit raj shocks unions

Hyderabad: The TSRTC National Mazdoor Union has condemned the decision of the Central government to do away with the system of issuing permits to private bus operators.

Union leader M. Nageshwar Rao said removal of permit system would deal a death blow to the state RTC as it would open doors for private buses to operate on every route.

“Private bus operators don’t have as many employees nor pay salaries on par with RTCs. They will charge less and will operate buses on every route. This is a bad decision for RTCs in every state,” he said. Mr Rao demanded withdrawal of the decision and also sought shelving of plans to levy service tax on RTC revenues.