Karnataka Prime Minister BS Yediyurappa on Sunday called on transport workers protesting in the state to call off the strike. “A sincere effort was made to resolve the KSRTC staff issues at today’s meeting convened by Senior Deputy Minister Lakshman Savadi and Interior Minister Basavaraja Bommai. Except for the condition of considering KSRTC staff as Government employees, other demands such as rectifying the salary differences, Rs. 30 lakh ex-gratia to employees, who died due to COVID-19, it was promised that actions to avoid harassment by senior officials, ”said a statement from Press of the Chief Minister’s Office.
Karnataka’s chief deputy minister, Laxman Savadi, ruled out considering the demands of the striking transport workers to be treated as government employees, but said all other needs are being studied within financial constraints. He said the option of deploying private bus operators was being explored to minimize the difficulties commuters face until the issue is resolved.
“Certain things are difficult. We have to do things within our financial constraints. The government has already been affected by COVID-19 and there are financial constraints. We are thinking about giving (employees) what can be legitimately given.” Savadi said. , who is also the Minister of Transportation, said.
Speaking to reporters before meeting with workers’ representatives in Bengaluru, he said that some legitimate demands can be met, as he expressed hope that the deadlock will be resolved and the buses will start operating soon.
“Their demand to be considered government employees is not possible because it is difficult. There are several other corporations in the state with similar demands and if we do it now, it will open a Pandora’s box as others are ready with a petition. of government revenue will have to be spent on them if it happens, “he added.
The main demands of the employees are that they be included in the government payroll, that they be provided the same privileges / incentives as government employees, and compensation of Rs 30 lakh to those who died during COVID-19 service. As of Monday morning, up to 69 BMTC buses were operational in Bangalore.
When asked why the government was not imposing the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on workers, he said they are like a family and the government did not want to apply such harsh measures to them now. “They are our staff, we want to convince them. ESMA is like Brahmastra, we don’t want to use it immediately … there is no doubt about that … I have confidence in our employees, (the strike) will end,” he said.
With public transportation services paralyzed across the state, thousands of commuters, who depend on buses for their daily commute, have been affected.
Meanwhile, authorities said a limited number of buses were operating in parts of Bengaluru and various parts of the state on Sunday. “I have already had conversations with the commissioner (transport) in this regard and the necessary measures will be taken,” added deputy CM.
Savadi also indicated that the government was not ready to entertain the farmers’ leader, Kodihalli Chandrashekhar, who has now become the RTC worker representative. He said there may be some motive behind Chandrashekhar’s participation in the strike and that the government had not invited him to any meetings.
“We have called our worker representatives as they are part of our family,” Savadi said, while stating that he would reveal about the “hidden hands” behind these strikes at a later stage.
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