May Day gesture: KSRTC grants one-time pardon to erring staff

By NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: This May Day, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has provided relief to a major chunk of employees who were facing disciplinary action. The KSRTC management withdrew disciplinary cases against 7,200 employees and waived the penalty amount as a one-time goodwill measure.

Employees who were absent from duty for less than 10 months have been exempt from any disciplinary proceedings and have been issued a reporting order to join duty.

Accordingly, 110 absentee employees have been reported for duty in the past three days. The total number of employees of the corporation is 35,000, of which 8,414 were facing disciplinary cases and 7,200 cases have been terminated in the last three days, with a minimum fine of Rs 100-500. These cases are punishable by a penalty of at least Rs 25,000.

“I had to abstain from duty due to financial problems. I lost hope of rejoining the KSRTC. I felt very happy after receiving a phone call from the KSRTC Head Office advising me to join duty,” said Vijay Kumar R. from Kolar, a driver for 20 years.

On Sunday, KSRTC Managing Director V Anbukumar distributed the disciplinary case withdrawal order copies to the employees along with sweets. The KSRTC MD, while addressing the employees, has explained the history, ideology and uniqueness of the Labour Day celebration.

“Our organization is run only by drivers, conductors, and mechanical staff, and not by the Managing Director. The MD cannot drive the bus. An officer and employee relationship should be cordial for any organization. It is our duty not only to punish the employees but also to encourage, motivate and work for their welfare,” the MD said.

The MD has informed the employees that withdrawing disciplinary complaints is only a one-time relaxation and advised them not to get involved in pilferage, accidents, and absentee cases again. “The daily average traffic revenue of the corporation should be more than Rs 10 crore, but we are getting an average of only Rs 8 crore, of which 70 per cent has to be paid for diesel. The financial situation of the corporation is under severe crisis. Our employees should also join hands with us to strengthen our transport service and provide the best services to the public, only then that the organisation will grow,” he said.

During the event, the employees’ children who are pursuing MBBS, M.Tech and other courses were honoured and congratulated by the Managing Director. “I want these children to also become Managing Directors of Transport Corporations. Education is a weapon. Our employees should give their children the best education to become somebody in society,” he said.

Later, the Managing Director had breakfast with employees. Chief Mechanical Engineer, Chief Traffic Manager (Opn), Chief Labour Welfare Officer, Chief Public Relations Officer, Divisional Controller, Bangalore Central Division and others were present.