Byarthi Suresh Cites ₹8,000-Crore Loss in Four Transport Corporations, Flags Salary Crunch
Bengaluru: Transport Minister Byarthi Suresh told the Karnataka Legislative Council that the state’s four road transport corporations were running at a loss of about ₹8,000 crore and struggling to find money for salaries, while citing fear of opposition protests over a bus fare increase.
Speaking during a discussion on milk prices and the difficulties faced by dairy farmers, Suresh drew a comparison with the financial pressures on public transport undertakings. He said he was trying to convince the Chief Minister on the fare issue.
“We do not have money to pay salaries,” he said, arguing that the corporations’ financial position had to be considered in the debate over higher fares.
Diesel costs and opposition to higher fares
Referring to the four corporations, including KSRTC and BMTC, Suresh said diesel prices had increased four times, while bus fares had not been raised in response. He cited the approximately ₹8,000-crore loss while explaining the pressure on their finances.
The minister said apprehension about the opposition’s reaction to a fare increase had held back a revision.
Job aspirants’ wait raised in Council
Suresh also referred to people from Kalaburagi and Dharwad who had approached him about employment. He said they had cleared interviews but were still waiting for jobs three years later.
The exchange then returned to the discussion on dairy farmers. Suresh spoke about a woman farmer rising at 4 am and working through considerable hardship, saying those who bought milk should understand that effort.
He argued that opposition members and the public needed to be convinced about the reasons for price increases, while saying the government already understood the farmers’ difficulties.
About the Author
