HYDERABAD: Yielding to pressure from unions on Wednesday, the management of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), constituted a high-level committee to explore the possibility of reopening 13 `unviable' depots it had closed earlier.

Though the corporation had contemplated closing three more depots and downgrading eight others, it will refrain from proceeding further until the committee submits its report.

The high-level committee comprises four executive directors of the RTC, besides the president and general secretary of the National Mazdoor Union (NMU), the recognised union. Following the arrangement, the union has called off its proposed agitation.

Gone's announcement

Consequent to a press conference by APSRTC Chairman Gone Prakash Rao, who announced the closure of the `unviable' units to save Rs. 22.49 crores a year, the NMU took up the issue with managing director V. Dinesh Reddy.

Union president M. Nageswara Rao and general secretary Syed Mahmood refuted the claim of chairman that they were aware of the decision to close down the depots a year ago.

Mr. Nageswara Rao said the MD promised an "acceptable rehabilitation" to employees of the closed depots. They would be posted at places of their choice. The assets of the corporation in the already-closed depots, including infrastructure, would neither be sold nor leased out to any private party. There would be no hindrance to the regularisation of casual/contract employees also.

`Not aware'

Earlier in the day, Mr. Nageswara Rao challenged that he would quit the union, if the chairman could prove that the unions were aware of the decision. He asked if the chairman would resign from his post, if he failed to prove his claim. "We will protect our corporation, even if it means shedding our blood," he asserted. Terming the decision to close the depots `unscientific,' Mr. Rao asked why the corporation did not close down Jaggayyapet depot in Krishna district which was incurring loss of Rs. 2.70 crore a year, much higher than depots listed for closure.

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