Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has credited salaries to 35,000 employees on time, defying expectations of a funds crunch. The corporation’s ability to pay salaries promptly is attributed to the efficient utilization of internal resources, even after the introduction of the Shakti scheme, which allowed free travel for women. According to a senior KSRTC official, the corporation made a commitment to pay salaries on the first of every month, and they have managed to stick to it. Previously, salaries were disbursed in a staggered manner, with senior officials receiving it first. However, with the implementation of the Shakti scheme, KSRTC managed to credit salaries to all employees on time.
The average monthly salary requirement for the corporation is around Rs 140 crore. The government’s reimbursement for the expenses incurred due to the Shakti scheme is still uncertain. The transport corporations are awaiting clarity on this matter after the budget presentation on July 7. A source mentioned that a significant portion of the expenditure is attributed to salaries, diesel procurement, gratuity, provident fund, and spare parts. Once the government provides reimbursement, the funds will be utilized for the remaining expenditure.
The four corporations, including KSRTC, employ more than 1 lakh people and require over Rs 400 crore every month for salaries alone. However, KSRTC has managed to pay salaries on time. The pay cycle for Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is on the seventh of every month.
Since the launch of the Shakti scheme, over 10.5 crore women have benefited from it. As of June 30, the total value of tickets used was more than Rs 248 crore. The introduction of the scheme has also resulted in increased revenue for the corporations. The average daily revenue has increased from Rs 24.5 crore to Rs 28.9 crore, and the number of travelers has risen from 84.9 lakh to over 1 crore. Women constitute a significant portion of the passengers on various corporation buses, with 52% on North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation buses, 47% on KSRTC buses, 44% on Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation buses, and 42% on BMTC buses. The source mentioned that the corporations hope that the Shakti scheme will lead to better patronage and increased revenue in the long run. The increased ridership has allowed optimal utilization of the bus fleet.
In conclusion, despite concerns of a funds crunch, KSRTC has managed to pay salaries to its employees on time. The introduction of the Shakti scheme has played a significant role in achieving this, along with the effective management of internal resources. While the government’s reimbursement for the scheme is still uncertain, KSRTC remains committed to its employees and has fulfilled its promise of timely salary payment. The scheme has also been successful in empowering women and has resulted in increased revenue for the transport corporations.
