Representational image | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: The first round of talks held between the leaders of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and Transport Minister Antony Raju on Monday over the disbursal of KSRTC employees’ salary in instalments failed to reach consensus.
As per reports, the union leaders stood firm on their demand to provide salary on a single instalment. However, the minister clarified amid talks that the decision to disburse salary in instalments was not taken intentionally, rather due to the worsening financial crisis.
As of now, the KSRTC is yet to receive a government assistance of Rs 70 crore. The corporation’s proposal in this regard is under consideration of the finance minister. In addition, consortium loans of Rs 3,200 crore are yet to be repaid.
The next round of talks will be held on March 18. In the wake of the discussion, CITU had postponed its decision to besiege the chief office on Monday.
Strong opposition from employees
There is strong opposition from the employees and trade unions regarding the payment of salaries in various instalments. A circular issued on February 15 had asked the employees, who wished to receive salary after getting government aid, to submit individual declarations of the same.
However, the employees were not ready to do so citing lack of assurance from the government. They also fear whether salary distribution will be delayed indefinitely if they submit the declarations.
Meanwhile, the state government is planning to pay the salaries in instalments ignoring the wrath of the employees.
Rs 434.53 crore due to employees
Apparently, KSRTC employees have been denied benefits worth Rs 434.53 crore in various ways. The management is yet to pay Rs 251.63 crore in the National Pension Scheme, Rs 83.10 crore as pension benefits and Rs 55.14 crore as employee personal loans.
According to data from December, there are arrears in provident funds (Rs 15.75 crore), supplementary salary (Rs 15 crore) and leave surrenders (Rs 9 crore) too.
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