No privatisation of KSRTC, says Thammanna

Transport Minister D C Thammanna on Thursday clarified that the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will not be privatised.

Addressing the KSRTC workers during Kannada Rajyotsava, organised by KSRTC Employees Kannada Kriya Samiti, here, Thammanna said, “There were attempts to privatise KSRTC at the official level, but the KSRTC employees’ associations are silent over the issue. I will not allow privatisation as thousands of employees would lose jobs if it is privatised. I will resign from my position if I fail to protect workers’ welfare,” Thammanna said.

The workers are facing several issues and are being punished for even small mistakes. But, those who are involved in corruption amounting to crores are walking free. A committee will be formed under the chairmanship of a retired Judge to conduct an inquiry over the suspended workers. They (suspensions) will be revoked if they are not guilty, the Minister assured.

Thammanna said the government will institute an award for the employees in the name of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar every year.