KSRTC pays salary for all employees; families in relief

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After more than two weeks of uncertainty and strike, the salaries of all the employees of KSRTC were finally paid.The remaining salary was paid with an additional 20 crore provided by the government. Officials said the salary was paid last night.

The employees hope that the situation won't be repetaed in the next month. Kerala Kaumudi had earlier published a story on March 18 titled 'Sarkar busil kooliyilla, pattinichuzhiyil 25612 kudumbam' about the plight of the families of KSRTC employees. Many employees called at the Kaumudi office and thanked for publishing such a story. Some even responded in Facebook.

The Chief Minister intervened in the salary crisis issue in KSRTC and as a result the finance ministry has agreed to sanction another Rs 20 crore. Kerala Kaumudi has also reported this. Rs 20 crore sanctioned by the government was handed over to KSRTC on Saturday evening. Salaries of the driver and conductor sections were paid on Friday.

A total of 52 crore was needed to pay the salaries of 18,000 employees. 76 crore was required to pay the salary in April. 50 crore overdraft has been taken, which must be repaid. In view of next month's crisis, KSRTC has demanded Rs 65 crore from the government.