THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Transport Minister Antony Raju defended the decision amid protests from pro-government unions against the order to pay salary as instalments in KSRTC. The minister said that the employees can decide whether they want salary in instalments or not and no one will be forced. He added that this decision is taken to help the employees and not to harm them.

“The order does not cause harm to anyone. Because those who need it can accept at least half the salary before the 5th. Those who want the full salary will get it together after receiving government money. There is no reason to worry about this. I don’t understand why employees are opposing this. Few people will benefit from this. Is there any need to oppose it?”, he asked.

At the same time, there is strong protest from the employees against the order to pay salary in instalments. CITU activists burnt the effigy of MD Biju Prabhakar. KSRTEA (CITU) has demanded that the finance minister should check the false figures of KSRTC and the transport minister and the CMD should correct their stance. They are also demanding cancellation of the order. CITU is protesting in all depots.

The order to disburse salary in instalments was issued last day. The first installment will be given to those who need it before the fifth day of month. The rest of the salary will be paid after government funding. Half of the total amount for salary disbursement is being collected by KSRTC. The MD's order states that it is intended to pay the first instalment through this. The order also states that those who are not interested in receiving salary in instalments should give consent before 25th of this month.