It seems that the much-touted `480 crore revival package for the ailing KSRTC may remain on paper only. More than a month after the Cabinet ‘almost cleared’ the revival scheme, no major steps had been taken in this regard.The delay in introducing a revival package, coupled with a recent government decision not to take over permits of private super-class services, has invited severe criticism from various quarters.

More than a month back, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had announced that a revival package, which included clearing arrears to pensioners, had almost been cleared by the Cabinet and would be finalised within a week. Despite this, the government had made no decisions in this regard. Though the issue came up in the recent Assembly session, the Transport Minister did not make a clear statement on the current status of the package.

“Had it been introduced, the package would have been a major boost for KSRTC. “Not only had the package not been implemented, the government had also gone back on its promise not to renew permits of 246 private super class services. This is a major setback for KSRTC,” said Kerala State Transport Drivers’ Union vice-president K G Babu. He added that the union would continue with agitations till the government implements its promise.

It has been pointed out that with the government renewing the permits of private bus operators, both the KSRTC and private buses have now powers to operate services on the 40 routes, which were recently taken over by the KSRTC.Operating services on these routes was expected to bring major revenue to the KSRTC.

Meanwhile, KSRTC’s Left trade unions have already announced their decision to go on a 48-hour strike in protest against the government’s decision. The government’s action has resulted in the KSRTC forgoing a source of making revenue, they pointed out.

“The government decision is clearly part of an attempt to help the private bus operators. That is why we have decided to go for a strike,” said office-bearers of Kerala State Road Transport Employees Association.

New Indian Express

SHARE