KSRTC to operate 3,000 buses starting Monday
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) on Sunday said it planned to operate about 3,000 buses initially from June 21, with the government relaxing COVID-19 restrictions and permitting bus operations with riders.
"The Government of Karnataka has issued orders relaxing the Covid-19 restrictions imposed in the state, except in Mysuru District and has permitted bus operations with 50 per cent seating capacity," KSRTC said in a statement.
The Corporation said it will commence local and inter- district long route bus operations with effect from June 21, based on traffic density and need, except in Mysuru district, and initially it is planned to operate about 3,000 buses.
On inter-state operations, a decision will be taken in the coming days, keeping in view guidelines of the respective states, KSRTC said and requested passengers to compulsorily follow COVID-19 guidelines while travelling in the corporation buses.
In the fresh COVID guidelines announced on Saturday, the government had said buses are permitted to operate with 50 per cent seating capacity, strictly adhering to COVID appropriate behaviour, and no travel by standing would be allowed.
In Bengaluru, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will resume operations of about 2,000 on Monday from 6 AM to 7 PM, official sources said.
Metro Rail services have also been permitted, with 50 per cent occupancy, strictly adhering to COVID appropriate behaviour and SOPs issued by the concerned departments.
Taxis, and auto rickshaws that have been permitted to operate can carry a maximum of two passengers only.
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CM Siddaramaiah rubbishes allegation of lack of funds as 'politically motivated'
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday rubbished the BJP allegation of lack of funds to appoint boards and corporations, as "politically motivated".
"The BJP is making false, politically motivated allegations," Siddaramaiah told reporters here.
The BJP state chief B Y Vijayendra on Thursday alleged the Congress government of misappropriating funds earmarked for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and cheated them. It also led to a situation where the pain, suffering, sorrow and grievances of these communities have not been addressed since Congress came to power, he said.
The statement highlights the allegedly "illegal transfer" of Rs 87 crore fund of the Karnataka State Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation to various bank accounts and individuals ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The Shikaripura MLA said in a post on 'X' that the state's Congress government has so far failed to appoint a chairperson for the Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, making it ineffective.
According to Vijayendra, a public interest litigation has been filed in the High Court challenging the delay in appointing the chairpersons of the Commissions, and the High Court has issued a notice to the government.
"It is very unfortunate that the Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, which is supposed to be the voice of the oppressed and report on the welfare of the Scheduled Communities, has been inactive since this government came to power," he charged.
Replying to a question on intra party squabble in the congress over the subject of change in Chief Minister's post, Siddaramaiah said the party high command's decision will be final.
In the last two days, supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar as well as Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi raised pitch for Chief Ministerial post to their leaders.
Regarding skipping the Davos World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Siddaramaiah said he stayed back for budget preparation. He pointed out that he did not go there in 2024 as well.
