Thomas Chandy, who assumed charge as Transport Minister on Saturday, said his immediate priority was to help the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) tide over the crisis and wipe out its loss.
Participating in a meet-the-press programme of the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, the Minister said his attempt would be to help the management of the utility generate profit at least for fleet modernisation and to provide good and efficient service to commuters.
“It is a coincidence that I assumed charge as Transport Minister on April 1, the anniversary of the formation day of the KSRTC. Incidentally, approval for the ₹3,000-crore budget allocation for revival of the KSRTC also came today,” Mr. Chandy said.
Replying to questions, the Minister said he was against the concept that the KSRTC would operate only on profitable routes. “Will commuters living in far-flung areas depend on taxies and other modes of transport to go back home after work,” he quipped.
The Minister said the utility would sail smoothly once the pension issue was sorted out. The proposal that the government should take over the pension would be looked into. The preliminary report of the Sushil Khanna committee appointed to revive the KSRTC was with the department and the final report would be submitted soon.
The Minister said the issues on different modes of test for driving licence would be looked into.
To a query on the resignation of A.K. Saseendran following the TV expose, the Minister said truth would prevail and that the police were efficient. “I was abroad when the incident took place. Judicial inquiry and a police probe are on. I sincerely hope and pray that Mr. Saseendran should return to the Cabinet,” he added.
