Relax commuters! Sriramulu rules out hike in KSRTC fare

NT Correspondent

Transport Minister B. Sriramulu has ruled out a hike in KSRTC fare for now in view of the ongoing pandemic. Talking to reporters here on Thursday, he said four state transport corporations-Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), KSRTC, North West Kar nataka Road Transport Corporation and North East Karnataka Road Transport Corporation were in the red due to Covid and the steep hike in fuel prices. The situation is so difficult that the corporations are not able to pay salary to employees. In spite of the difficult times, the tariff in Volvo buses has been reduced. “We don’t have any plans to hike KSRTC tariff ”, he added.

Asked about the employees who were dismissed for participating in an agitation during the pandemic last year, the minister said existing rules do not permit their return to duty but they were being taken back purely on humanitarian grounds. Of the total 1,610 employees dismissed, 100 were taken back on duty on Thursday and another 200 would be absorbed on Friday. The employees must understand that as many as 1610 fellow employees faced problems for taking part in the agitation.

“Those who led the agitation ran away and ultimately it is only the government which is with you. We will not be with you in case you go on strike in future. You are free to come and have a discussion with us on any issue”, Sriramulu noted.