THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC employees are yet to get last month's salary. On Thursday, the High Court severely criticized KSRTC for not providing salaries to its employees. Over the previous few months, salaries have been paid in two installments, the first from KSRTC revenue and the second from government funding. The finance department is unhappy with the stand of KSRTC and the transport department that assistance from the government is needed to pay the first installment as well.

The resentment of the finance department further increased when Transport Minister Antony Raju stated that the finance department is the reason behind the crisis. Antony Raju said that the reason for the crisis is the delay in getting financial assistance.

KSRTC has not yet received the Rs 30 crore announced by the government. This is worsening the crisis. The management is claiming that it has no money left to provide salaries after meeting expenses, including diesel expenses. As per the rescue package prepared in the presence of the Chief Minister, KSRTC should get 50 crores per month. The finance department has been giving Rs 30 crore each for the last three months.

Strike

The ruling opposition organizations jointly besieged the headquarters to protest the non-payment of salaries. No one, including top officials, was allowed into the office. The protest will continue today. Discussions are also taking place to organize a strike.