VIJAYAWADA: In a major relief, the State government has provided alternative employment to APSRTC employees, who have been declared medically unfit. Special Chief Secretary MT Krishna Babu issued a GO in this regard on Friday.
As per the GO, the benefit has been extended to beyond RTC drivers. Alternative jobs will be provided to RTC employees, who became medically unfit on or after January 1, 2020, following the merger of the corporation with the State government.
Earlier, the policy of providing alternative employment was limited only to drivers, who were declared medically unfit.
“The new decision expands the scope to include drivers, conductors and all other categories of RTC employees. The government has decided to offer alternative employment to employees, who are medically unfit in 21 identified categories, while working in the RTC. The same policy will continue even after the merger, ensuring that employees declared medically unfit in these 21 categories are accommodated with suitable alternative jobs,” reads the GO.
Medically unfit employees may be given posts such as record tracer and assistant mechanic, depending on eligibility. If an employee is not eligible for any post in the RTC, the government has directed that suitable jobs be provided in other departments based on their qualifications.
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To complete the process, district collectors have been instructed to facilitate such appointments in government departments. For employees who are not eligible for any post, the government has clearly stated that additional monetary benefits will be provided, as per the GO.
In addition, the government has also issued key instructions to ensure additional financial benefits to employees who opt for voluntary retirement due to medical unfitness.
Welcoming the decision, APSRTC Chairman Konakalla Narayana Rao said, “The TDP-led coalition government has taken a positive and humane approach in resolving long-pending issues faced by APSRTC employees. The government is committed to ensuring that not a single employee suffers.”
The APSRTC Chairman thanked Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu for resolving the issue that had remained pending for a long time, thereby bringing relief and hope to the families of affected employees. “This decision reflects the government’s commitment to employees’ welfare, and marks a significant step in protecting the rights, and the future of APSRTC staff,” he added.