Joint effort of management, employees and government might save KSRTC

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The monthly revenue and expenditure figures show that the management, employees and the government need to work together to bring KSRTC to the forefront.

Last April, KSRTC earned ticket revenue of Rs 157 crore. 166.71 crore including non-ticket revenue. 82 crore is required for a month's salary. 98.27 crore including other benefits. Last month the employees were paid this much although it was late. Remaining amount Rs 68 crore. 97.69 crore was paid for diesel. 30.18 crore for the bank consortium and Rs. 85.5 crore for revenue and expenditure.

According to the Finance Ministry, the corporation, which is facing a severe financial crisis, cannot provide more than Rs 30 crore per month as financial assistance. As this aid continues, the problem will only be solved if the government takes over the debt and eliminates the tax on diesel. Salary and pension can be paid regularly. The remaining expenses can be settled by increasing the number of bus services.

When the government takes over the loan repayment, the liability of Rs 30 crore per month will be resolved. In 2018, KSRTC borrowed Rs 3,100 crore from a bank consortium. The daily repayment is Rs 98 lakh. The loan is at 8.5%. 3040 crore to be paid yet.