Thiruvananthapuram: Transport Minister Antony Raju has put forth a rather bizarre statement, placing the blame for the KSRTC crisis squarely on the shoulders of the central government. He pointed to the waiver of bulk purchase permissions by the central government as a significant factor contributing to the ongoing crisis. Speaking at a press conference convened in Thiruvananthapuram, Minister Raju contended that the crisis was not of KSRTC management’s making. He specifically clarified that the High Court had previously mandated the issuance of coupons in lieu of salaries, a solution that the KSRTC management had never proposed.
Highlighting a course of action aimed at ameliorating the situation, the Minister announced during the press conference that KSRTC is in the process of acquiring an additional 113 buses earmarked for service within Thiruvananthapuram city. The anticipated cost of this procurement amounts to ₹104 crore. The initiative falls under the ambit of the Smart City project. The press conference was also attended by Local Self-Government Minister MB Rajesh.
Minister Raju also claimed that a resolution to the KSRTC salary predicament would be reached by the end of the day. In affirmation of this, the Finance Minister has assured the provision of ₹40 crore by this evening. Minister Raju further alleged to distribute salaries upon receiving the allocated funds.
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