RTC strike: Will continue indefinite strike until demands met, says Kodihalli Chandrashekhar
Bengaluru, Apr 7: Bus services were hit in most parts of Karnataka on Wednesday as drivers and conductors of road transport corporations (RTC) began their indefinite strike on wage-related issues.
With the government not ready to concede to their demand for implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission report, the RTC workers decided to continue with the strike.
The decision was taken despite Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa warning the workers of strict action and indicating invoking of Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on them.
Commuters were stranded as buses of the four transport corporations almost came to a complete halt from Tuesday afternoon after drivers and conductors kept off the second shift.
Passengers travelling to and from distant areas and office-goers were the most affected.
Several universities postponed the exams because of the strike.
The government has tried to make alternative arrangements by roping in private transport operators and sought deployment of more trains.
Private buses, maxi cabs and other transport services were operating in different parts of the city, much to the rescue of stranded passengers.
However, private operators said, the number of passengers was scarce.
They said many passengers are using their own vehicles or have made arrangements on their own.
Metro rail increased the frequency of its services between 7 AM and 9 PM.
Workers of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and North Eastern Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NEKRTC), under the banner of Karnataka State Road Transport Employees League, have given a call for strike from April 7.
While making it clear that the implementation of the Commission for transport workers was not possible, the government, however, agreed to an 8 per cent increase in salary as an interim relief.
But, the government said, it cannot be implemented immediately as the model code of conduct is in place and a letter has been sent to the Election Commission seeking permission.
At some places, there were complaints from passengers about private services charging exorbitantly.
Officials said they are keeping vigil and making spot visits to inspect the fare charged by private operators.
Warning against resorting to strike during the COVID-19 situation, officials have said, "No work, No pay."
Pointing out that the public is being affected because of the strike and calling on the employees to get back to work, Chief Minister Yediyurappa indicated that a decision on invoking ESMA would be taken depending on the situation.
He alleged that selfish motives of some people were behind the strike.
"We have fulfilled eight of their (workers) nine demands despite which they are adamant and have stopped buses, and are creating trouble. I appeal to them to get back to work, we can talk. Don't give room for us to take strict measures," Yediyurappa said.
Stating that some RTC buses are operating, and their numbers would increase in all the four corporations in two days, Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi said private buses are being provided facilities at bus terminals to operate from, and they have been allowed to run without permit, but with insurance.
"In two days, we will increase their numbers, and from tomorrow about 4,000 more private buses, who had surrendered, will operate," said Savadi, who also holds the Transport portfolio.
Kodihalli Chandrashekhar, honorary president of the KSRTC Employees League, said the strike would continue indefinitely until the demand is met.
"Whenever you (CM) call us, we are ready for discussion. Our indefinite strike will continue tomorrow and thereafter, until our demands are fulfilled... Our main demand is the Sixth Pay Commission and the government has to arrive at a decision," he said.
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AI reshaping music, filmmaking in Kannada cinema
Bengaluru: Artificial Intelligence is slowly changing the way music and creativity are produced in the Kannada film industry, raising concerns among musicians, singers and technicians, The New Indian Express reported on Sunday.
Music composer, actor and director V Manohar reportedly said, AI is being used to write lyrics, especially in low-budget movies. Once lyrics are generated, AI can suggest thousands of tunes. It even asks whether the voice should be male or female. With one click, a complete song is ready.
“If this continues, singers and musicians will have less or no work in the coming days. But it may not succeed either. A few years ago, dubbing was allowed and people could watch movies in any language they preferred. But not many took to it as they wanted to watch a movie in the original,” TNIE quoted him as saying.
According to the report, Filmmaker Avinash U Shetty, a National Award winner, said resistance to new technology is not new. Those who resisted shifting from analogue to digital films years ago have now embraced it. The industry is now using only 10% of the AI potential. If it is scaled up, it can do unimaginable things. What we consider bad now, may not be after five years.
Highlighting the cost advantage, Sangamesh, an independent creator reportedly said, he made a three-minute video using AI for just Rs 4,500. Earlier, the same work would have cost nearly Rs 15 lakh. I finished the entire project in three days. The only expense was the AI software subscription, he said.
These days, it has become difficult to differentiate between the real and AI. AI is creating artistes. Scenes like war, big fights and dance can be shot with a lesser number of artistes. Then with the aid of visual effects and AI, you can achieve what you have in mind, he said.
Actor-director D P Raghuram felt that while AI has made an impact on music, it lacks emotional depth. Cinema earlier involved hard work and strong emotional connections. AI can help improve our work, but creativity should remain human, he reportedly said.
As per the report, earlier, Kannada cinema employed hundreds of junior artistes, who not only earned wages but also shared meals on sets and formed lasting bonds with stars like Dr Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan and Ambareesh. Today, filmmakers fear that increasing dependence on AI could reduce such human connections, turning creativity into just another automated process.
