||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder SinghJune 30 2024 ||

In a recent review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atul Dullo, the financial performance and operational aspects of the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) were discussed extensively. While the Managing Director (MD) of JKSRTC highlighted the corporation’s impressive financial gains, several pressing issues faced by the employees, particularly the drivers, were conspicuously absent from the discussion.

Financial Highlights and Operational Achievements:

The MD reported that JKSRTC currently operates a viable fleet of 1,055 vehicles, consisting of 517 buses and 538 trucks. The fleet is predominantly new, with 758 vehicles aged between 0-5 years. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the corporation generated significant revenue, amounting to Rs 73.16 crores from bus operations and Rs 117.40 crores from trucks, resulting in a total income of Rs 190.57 crores. This figure represents a notable increase from the previous year, reflecting the corporation’s improved financial health.

Furthermore, JKSRTC possesses considerable land assets, holding 308.20 kanals of land in various locations in Kashmir and 217.82 kanals in the Jammu division. During the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2023, the corporation successfully transported 126,674 pilgrims and 9,092 sadhus, earning approximately Rs 644 lakhs. Remarkably, JKSRTC currently has no outstanding loans, further strengthening its financial position.

Chief Secretary’s Directives:

Chief Secretary Atul Dullo emphasized the importance of addressing revenue leakage and optimizing asset utilization to ensure sustainable growth. He highlighted the need for engaging professional developers to generate recurring income from the corporation’s assets. Dullo also stressed the importance of regular board meetings to resolve internal issues and improve the corporation’s overall financial health. He praised the board’s initiatives aimed at enhancing the corporation’s financial performance and urged continued efforts to implement these plans effectively.

Overlooked Employee Grievances:

Despite the positive financial outlook, the meeting failed to address several critical issues faced by JKSRTC’s drivers and employees. According to sources, both permanent and contractual drivers are receiving inadequate salaries. Permanent drivers earn a maximum of Rs 18,000 per month, while contractual drivers make between Rs 13,000 and Rs 14,000. This is despite each truck generating approximately Rs 1.20 lakhs in monthly revenue.

Drivers, some with over 20 years of service, are increasingly frustrated with the lack of salary increments. Many find it astonishing that after two decades of service, their salaries have stagnated at Rs 18,000, raising significant concerns about the corporation’s policies. Additionally, the absence of trips for drivers over the past three years has led to widespread discontent. Previously, trips were provided without the need for follow-ups, but this practice has ceased, causing chaos among the drivers.

Moreover, drivers are often compelled to manage vehicle breakdowns and tyers changes independently, without any involvement from senior officials. This lack of support adds to their grievances and highlights the absence of effective policies for drivers. Many drivers, now aged between 50-52 years, face an uncertain future with no prospects for salary hikes, further exacerbating their dissatisfaction.

Unaddressed Protests and Pending Benefits:

Former employees who opted for voluntary retirement (VRS) based on commitments from the corporation are still protesting due to pending benefits. This ongoing issue underscores the need for JKSRTC to address the genuine concerns of its employees and honor its commitments.

While JKSRTC’s financial achievements are commendable, the corporation must urgently address the grievances of its drivers and employees. Proper salary increments and better policies are essential to ensure the well-being and satisfaction of the workforce. By addressing these issues, JKSRTC can ensure a more motivated and productive workforce, ultimately contributing to the corporation’s sustained success.