Thiruvananthapuram: KSRTC employees are at government's mercy this Onam. The transport minister now has to approach the chief minister directly after finance ministry returned the file requesting monetary aide. Employees expect a reprieve in today's cabinet meeting.
The corporation needs Rs 82 crore for salary this month, including for empanelled members. It has only Rs 32 crore, including Rs 16 crore given by the government and Rs 20 crore saved from delaying payment to Indian Oil Corporation.
An earlier plea to government seeking Rs 50 crore for revenue lost because of flood and landslides was rejected. Another seeking Rs 43 crore for Onam benefits and Rs 10 crore for Sabarimala Mandalam Season preparations too were returned. Trade union protests over delay have grown stronger. All benefits will be denied if government does not help.
Meanwhile, Rs 1.5 lakh salary for vigilance section executive director sparked controversy. The management defended the pay saying the executive director was on deputation from the police department.