Minister washes his hands on KSRTC salary, says govt has no responsibility

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is no longer responsible in the salaries to employees of KSRTC, said Transport Minister Antony Raju. He said the unions had broken their promise not to strike.

He said that had asserted to pay salary before 10th following the assurance of not striking. With the strike staged, that promise has become irrelevant. The government is no longer responsible. The minister said let the unions and the managements decide. KSRTC is only one of the 100 PSUs and the management should pay the salaries.

The strike was staged on May 6 to protest the non-payment of salaries. The salaries were not paid even after four days. Government’s help of thirty crores for the distribution of salaries was obtained yesterday. The remaining amount is not in the hands of the management. Like last month, trying to borrow around Rs 50 crore from banks. The unions have decided to stage strong protests if they do not get their salaries by tonight.