**************************************************************** Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service & circulated by Goa Civic & Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ***************************************************************** --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Workers' union, management sling mud for KTC's failure --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Communist Party of India's (CPI) state general secretary, Mr Christopher Fonseca held the state administration responsible for the overall mismanagement and unplanned functioning of the Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd (KTC) in a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar and Transport Minister, Mr Pandurang Madkaikar.
While Mr Fonseca put the blame on the government, the KTC Manging Director, Mr A B Bhartu when contacted by The Navhind Times observed that the KTC employees union, which was affiliated to the CPI were equally responsible for the poor image of the KTC. Mr Bhartu informed that the CPI led union approached the KTC management and the government with regards to the settlement of the fifth pay arrears, the time bound promotional scale and the regularisation of daily wages, but has never taken efforts to inspire the staff to work sincerely. In his memorandum to the transport minister, Mr Fonseca blamed the lack of accountability and mismanagement of the corporation for the frequent breakdowns and accidents of the KTC buses witnessed by the 50,000 passengers travelling everyday. He mentioned that the KTC staff carrying out repairs and maintenance work of the KTC buses face problems of shortage of spares and other materials, as the required spares were not being provided by the authorities. The memorandum also highlighted the inconveniences faced by the travelling commuters during the monsoons of the KTC buses leaking on all sides. Mr Bhartu however disclosed that though the weak financial position of the KTC was revealed to the three KTC workers' unions, some KTC workers continue to spoil the image of the corporation. He mentioned that he undertook a surprise inspection at the Margao depot a month ago and discovered that 5 KTC workers were sleeping on duty. When the KTC sought to initiate action against the erring employees, the union came to their rescue claiming they were 'merely resting'. Absenteeism among the staff during the peak season with more than 20 drivers at a time at each depot seeking refuge with medical certificates, is another factor the union should take notice of. Especially as long queues of passengers waiting for their bus to Margao are frequently noticed, he commented. He attributed the responsibility of the frequent breakdowns and leakages of the KTC buses upon the mechanics at the KTC depot, who were not promptly attending to the problems brought to their notice by the KTC drivers. As regards the shortage of spares and other materials, Mr Bhartu informed that there was absolutely no shortage of spares at the depot level, as he had specifically instructed the depot managers to personally get the files (regarding the spares) approved by the managing director. Mr Fonseca admitted the irresponsible behaviour of the workers but passed the buck to the state administration for the lack of accountability and mismanagement prevailing in the corporation. He accused the government of giving the KTC 'step-motherly treatment' at the cost of the private bus lobby. Mr Fonseca gave examples wherein the private bus owners were handed permits to operate their vehicles at time slots clashing with that of the KTC and thus, depriving the corporation of passengers and revenue. He alleged that the bus permits were freely handed out to party sympathisers and providing the private bus owners an inbuilt advantage as their routes overlapped with that of the KTC, the private buses left a few minutes earlier and charged less than the KTC buses. This was killing the corporation's growth, he said. The Transport Minister, Mr Pandurang Madkaikar clarified that he was unaware of the ills plaguing the KTC before he took over, but would take necessary measures to protect the interests of the corporation. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE NAVHIND TIMES 26/6/02 page 3 ------------------------------------------------------------ ======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy ======================================= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet =================================================================== For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
