The Hindu Business Line : AP HC moots panel to end bus strike

THE Andhra Pradesh High Court has asked the employees of AP State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) to consider calling off the indefinite strike launched on Monday.

The Court mooted a five-member committee to resolve the issue. The strike continued to paralyse bus services throughout the State on the second day, leaving passengers stranded at many places. The State Government expressed its inability to provide more alternative services. The High Court asked the employees to respond on Wednesday.

The five-member committee, mooted by the court, would have two representatives each from the Government and employees and another nominated by it.

The Government had informed the Court that the strike had been declared illegal and steps were taken to enforce ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act). Earlier addressing a press conference, Mr Konathala Ramakrishna, Minister for Commercial Taxes, said no Government could provide more alternative services.

He said the percentage of bus services was increased to 15.16 per cent on the second day of the strike from 6.75 per cent on Monday. Mr Ramakrishna, who is a member of the Cabinet Sub-Committee formed to resolve the issue, said the panel had written to the employees' unions and political parties explaining the Government's stand.

He said copies of this letter would also be sent to newspaper editors, intellectuals and voluntary organisations to seek their support.

Meanwhile, a number of mass organisations expressed their solidarity to the striking RTC employees.

Supporting the strike, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) asked the employees to intensify their agitation. Addressing a press conference, Mr S. Veeraiah, General Secretary of CITU (State unit), wondered why the Government was hesitant to give its assurance in writing.

Communist Part of India, All-India Youth Federation, Progressive Democratic Students Union, All India Trade Union Congress and Democratic Teachers' Federation too supported the strike in separate statements.

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