THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC employees will get their salary for the month of July before August 22 and bonus and festival allowance before Onam. The government's decision came after the High Court directed the government to pay the salary for July by August 25. Ministers KN Balagopal, Antony Raju, and V Sivankutty assured this in a discussion with recognized trade union leaders.

The leaders of CITU, TDF, and BMS said that they would call off the strike scheduled for August 26 if the government keeps its promise.

Salary will be paid in a lump sum. In addition to the Rs 30 crore sanctioned now, the Finance Department will sanction the required amount to pay the salaries. The ministers directed the management to find out the amount required for the Onam allowance. KSRTC employees did not get any Onam benefits last year.

Although the unions asked the government to pay advances by taking loans or overdrafts, ministers did not give assurances apart from saying that they will consider it. The ministers informed that the issues, including the transfer of employees, can be discussed at another time. There was no clear decision on whether to pay two months of pension arrears. The discussion at the Thycaud Govt guest house lasted for two hours. Pensioners' organizations were not called for discussion.

Rs 4000 bonus for KSRTC employees
KSRTC management has agreed to give Rs 4000 bonus and Rs 2,750 festival allowance to the employees. The bonus is for those whose basic salary is less than Rs.34,000. Others will get a festival allowance. Each temporary employee will receive an Onam benefit of Rs 1000.