THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The already cash-strapped Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has been directed by the office of thetransport secretary to consider the possibility to provide free travel passes to policemen.
A top official from KSRTC, who declined to be named, said the corporation received a letter from the transport secretariat two weeks ago about giving free passes to all police officers. "The letter states the Kerala police have ensured stupendous service to the society, hence KSRTC may consider providing free passes to the 65,000-odd police officers," said the officer.
If KSRTC decides to allot free passes to the police force, it would be a nail on the coffin, observed the officer.
The letter has told the managing director of the transport body to revert in two weeks. KSRTC had received a similar letter directed by the police department a few years ago that was not considered following stiff opposition from the employees' organisations.
An officer from the administration said KSRTC already bears Rs 150 crore loss due to concession and free passes. If free passes are allotted to police department, it would mean an additional burden of around Rs 140 crore. The letter, however, doesn't mention whether or not the state government or the police department would pay back the amount for free passes.
The public transport body is already hit badly by the Centre's recent decision to hike the price of diesel by Rs 11 for bulk consumers of the fuel. The state government is in no mood to help either. The corporation fears that the services might have to be stopped if it doesn't get immediate financial aid.
No comments:
Post a Comment