Patiala, June 7:- Today, a massive rally and protest march were held at the Patiala Bus Stand by the PRTC Workers' Action Committee in protest against the non-payment of salaries and pensions and to highlight the demands of the workers. The rally and march were led by Convener Nirmal Singh Dhaliwal and members Baldev Raj Batta, Harpreet Singh Khatra, Rakesh Kumar Dattarpuri, Tarsem Singh, and Uttam Singh Bagri.
The leaders of the Action Committee explained the reasons behind the protest, stating that the Punjab government has not paid the PRTC approximately ?700 crore due for the free travel facility provided to women. Consequently, the PRTC is facing a severe financial crisis, the brunt of which is being borne by the hardworking employees who never receive their salaries or pensions on time. Furthermore, retired employees have not received their retirement benefits for the past year and a half.
 Medical bills are not being paid, Pay Commission arrears have not been released, and various other dues remain unpaid. Employees' dues total over ?100 crore, yet neither the management nor the government—which the leaders described as "employee-laborer anti-government"—seems concerned.
Addressing the rally, the leaders raised other issues regarding the institution. They stated that the Punjab government has not added a single PRTC-owned bus to the fleet in the last four and a half years, directly benefiting the private bus mafia. Furthermore, contract and outsourced workers are not being regularized despite court orders. Although TA/DA rates were increased by the government over a year ago, the PRTC management has yet to implement these. 
Employees recruited after January 1, 2004, are being denied the benefits of the Old Pension Scheme. Other grievances included the denial of travel allowances (equivalent to one basic pay every two years) to retirees, the denial of pension benefits under the 1992 scheme to some elderly employees, the unjustified delay in promotions, and the failure to address the shortage of drivers and conductors.
The leaders warned the management that if all these legally justified demands are not resolved without delay, future protests and demonstrations will be held with even greater intensity. The rally was addressed by Nirmal Singh Dhaliwal, Ganda Singh, Harpreet Singh Khatra, Rakesh Kumar Dattarpuri, Inderpal Singh, and Mohammad Khalil. Ramesh Kumar served as the stage secretary.