PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday announced annual salary increments and a pathway to permanent employment for contractual Kadamba Transport Corporation employees, while urging them to resolve their grievances through dialogue rather than strikes.
Addressing the corporation’s 46th anniversary celebrations – traditionally held on Dussehra, Sawant said that the government had accepted some of the employees’ demands and was willing to resolve outstanding issues through discussions. The proposed changes will also bring contractual conductors closer to the benefits enjoyed by regular employees. “Employees who have demands should hold discussions with the government. Issues can be resolved through dialogue, and there is no need to resort to a strike,” he added. Conductors appointed on seven-year contracts currently receive a fixed monthly salary throughout their tenure. Under the proposed changes, they will receive annual increments and, after completing their contracts, be made permanent according to a prescribed formula.
“They will also receive Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) benefits on par with regular employees. We will also extend additional insurance protection to Kadamba employees, on the lines of benefits available to the families of police and fire service personnel who die in service. Kadamba employees will receive life insurance cover of Rs 16 lakh, besides other benefits to which they are entitled,” the CM said.
Emphasising the public’s trust in the State-owned transport service, Sawant said passengers had confidence in Kadamba’s drivers and conductors, with visitors from other states also preferring its buses over those operated by other services. “KTCL works to serve the public and does not compete with private bus services,” he said, adding that the government wanted to improve its services to match those of private operators.
Sawant also urged private bus operators to join the government’s Mhaje Bus scheme, which provides participating operators an additional Rs 20,000 along with their monthly profits.
Discounts on passes
Kadamba passengers will receive discounts on travel passes from November 1. CM Sawant stated that the corporation will offer a 20 per cent discount on monthly passes valid for 30 days and a 30 per cent discount on annual passes. The facility to obtain monthly passes will be available at all bus stands.
“Kadamba has introduced technology-driven services, including online ticketing, smart cards and a mobile application, in recent years. Cooperation from employees was essential to making these services successful,” he added. Sawant also announced plans to renovate Kadamba bus stands in Mapusa, Panaji and Margao next year.
Old Kadamba buses to be scrapped
KTCL Chairman Ulhas Tuenkar, meanwhile, said around 150 Kadamba buses would be scrapped in 2027 under the 15-year vehicle policy. “I have requested the chief minister to provide additional buses,” he said, while also highlighting the recruitment of women as drivers and conductors.
