Karnataka Government Announces Salary Arrears and Pay Revision for RTC Employees
In a significant move aimed at averting a major protest, the Karnataka government declared on Wednesday evening that it will release salary arrears for 26 months and implement a pay revision for employees of four state-run road transport corporations (RTCs). This decision comes just a day before the planned 'Bengaluru Chalo' protest, which was scheduled to take place at Freedom Park on Thursday.
High-Level Meeting and Financial Implications
The announcement followed a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and senior officials in attendance. According to government estimates, the payment of arrears for 26 months is expected to cost the state exchequer nearly Rs 1239.5 crore. Additionally, the pay revision will be effective from April 1, 2025, marking a substantial financial commitment by the administration.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy stated that the government plans to engage with trade union representatives to discuss the details of the pay revision, indicating a willingness to address employee concerns through dialogue.
Union Demands and Government Stance
Trade unions representing the four RTCs have been persistently demanding the clearance of arrears for 38 months, covering the period from January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2023, without any deductions. However, the government had previously maintained, based on the recommendations of the MR Sreenivas Murthy report, that arrears were applicable only for 14 months. This discrepancy has been a point of contention, leading to heightened tensions between the authorities and the workforce.
Protest Plans Unchanged Despite Announcement
Despite the government's announcement, office-bearers of the unions' joint action committee have confirmed that the 'Bengaluru Chalo' protest will proceed as planned at Freedom Park on Thursday. They have reiterated their demand for the full payment of arrears for 38 months without any cuts, expressing dissatisfaction with the current offer. This stance highlights the ongoing rift and suggests that further negotiations may be necessary to resolve the issue amicably.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by public sector employees in securing fair compensation and the government's efforts to balance fiscal responsibilities with labor welfare. As developments unfold, all eyes will be on Bengaluru to see how this dispute evolves in the coming days.
