Thousands of employees from the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), and other state-run transport corporations staged a massive protest on Thursday, demanding the release of pending arrears and a substantial pay hike. The agitation, organized by various employee unions, caused significant disruptions in bus services across the state, inconveniencing commuters.
Protest Details
The protest was held simultaneously at multiple locations, including the KSRTC headquarters in Bangalore and divisional offices in Mysuru, Hubballi, and Mangaluru. Employees carried placards and raised slogans, demanding that the state government clear arrears amounting to several months of salary. They also sought a revision of wages in line with the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission, which has been pending for years.
Union leaders stated that despite repeated assurances from the government, no concrete action has been taken. “We have been waiting for our legitimate dues for over two years. The government must intervene immediately to resolve this issue,” said a representative from the KSRTC Employees’ Union.
Impact on Services
The protest led to a reduction in bus services by nearly 40% across the state, with many depots reporting a complete shutdown. Commuters faced long waits at bus stops, and several trips were cancelled. The disruption was particularly severe in rural areas, where public transport is the primary mode of travel.
Authorities have urged the employees to return to work and assured them that their demands would be considered. However, the unions have vowed to continue the agitation until their demands are met.
Government Response
Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy expressed concern over the protest and said that the government is committed to addressing the employees’ grievances. “We are in talks with the finance department to release the arrears in phases. A decision will be announced soon,” he told reporters.
Meanwhile, the opposition parties criticized the government for its failure to manage the transport corporations effectively. They accused the ruling party of neglecting the welfare of employees and passengers alike.
The protest is expected to continue until the state government presents a clear roadmap for payment of arrears and wage revision. Employees have warned of an indefinite strike if their demands are not met within a week.
