Kochi: Even as its retired employees are on a protest path over non-receipt of pension for the last several months, cash-strapped Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is now compiling data on seriously-ill patients among its pensioners in its bid to ensure “prompt payment to the most-needy ones”.
A direction has been issued from the chief office to all unit and workshop heads to hand over the details of seriously-ill patients among pensioners from the respective regions.
In a circular dated January 25, the officers concerned are asked to inquire and find out the most needy ones including “bed-ridden patients and those suffering from chronic disease such as cancer”. The officers are asked to compile and submit the data to the executive director (administration) within a month.
“We’re collecting the data. Our attempt is to try and help such people in whatever way we can. Maximum efforts will be taken to clear all dues and ensure prompt payment of pension to them,” said a senior KSRTC official.
However, a section has questioned practicability of the initiative. “How can they make payment to a particular section and delay that of the others. The move is illegal and can’t be put to practice,” said state working president of KSRTEA (Kerala State Road Transport Employees Association).
The corporation has defaulted on pension payment for the last five months and requires Rs 224 crore to clear the dues. While the corporation wants the government to fully shoulder the burden, the state government had made it clear that it has no such intention.
