Update
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SHP)
Bengaluru, Sep 2: "There will be no increase in rates of students' bus pass or a change in the rules for the passes," said the deputy chief minister and transport minister of the state Laxman Savadi.
He further maintained that information circulating regarding an increase in the rate of these passes were rumours and therefore should be entertained. "The prices of the passes for the current academic year will remain the same as the previous academic year so will be the rules pertaining to them," he stressed.
The deputy chief minister urged the students and parents not to be unduly concerned about this issue.
Earlier report
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Sep 2: Because of woes unleashed by coronavirus pandemic, the state road corporations have not been able to run their services to the optimum level. Therefore, all four road transport corporations are facing financial crises. These corporations have approached the state government with a request for financial assistance of Rs 1,015.85 crore to pay salaries to employees from June to November.
The government has been releasing money to the corporations in phases. It has released Rs 423 crore to pay salaries of employees for August and September. However, the strict conditions laid down by the government mean that the students may not get the concessional bus passes this time. The government has asked the corporations to utilise the funds to pay basic pay and 75 per cent dearness allowance of officers and other staff, and use their own resources to meet the balance amount. The government has also stipulated that the fund cannot be used for any other purposes than paying salary.
The government has said that if the schools and colleges begin to function and free or concessional bus passes are distributed, such amount has to be met either by students or the corporations and they cannot expect any financial help from the government. Therefore, undersecretary in the transport department K Satyavati in the order stated that the government will not provide subsidy or extend any bus pass concessions.
The corporations are in deep trouble and therefore, they cannot find resources to fund concessional bus passes. As such, even if the schools and colleges are opened, students may not get concession bus passes.