JOIN USKSRTC federation sets demands before govt
Addressing a media conference here on Friday, he disclosed 19 resolutions passed by the federation at the recently concluded state-level conference in Hassan. He said the federation has initiated concrete steps to prevent harassment of employees. “If the government fails to heed to the demands, bus services would be stopped on February 28 and a state-level protest would be held,” he added.
“The government has failed to consider the grievances of employees for 16 years. They are issuing a meagre increment of four to five per cent. We won’t accept any such proposals by the government. It should hold a discussion with the federation before taking any decision. If it fails to increase the payscale by 40 per cent, 1.10 lakh employees would launch protest demonstrations across the state,” he warned. He also sought a bonus of 20 per cent.
“Corruption has increased in the organisation and only those who offer bribe are getting promotions. More than Rs 2 crore is being collected as fine from employees. If a person needs leave or a new vehicle, he is forced to pay a bribe. Flouting all labour rules, employees are being made to work in continuous shifts. Many are working as trainees for the past 11 years. The system should be changed,” he demanded.
“All four corporations should be made into one. The joint loss of northern and eastern corporations has crossed Rs 655 crore. The employees are yet to receive pay to the tune of Rs 100 crore,” he said.
Ananthasubbarao alleged that several employees had committed suicide owing to harassment by senior officials.
He said an investigation should be conducted and those found guilty should be dealt with sternly.
Increasing corruption
Ananthasubbarao alleged that corruption had increased after R Ashoka took over as the transport minister. “Instead of taking action against an officer, who was involved in irregularities to the tune of Rs 6.75 lakh in Chikkamagalur, he was promoted and transferred to Puttur,” he revealed.
“Whenever employees stage a protest, it is projected as causing inconvenience to the people. But after Ashok became a minister, there were two state-wide protests causing loss of Rs 15 crore to the department,” he added.