KSRTC Faces Uniform Allowance Delay as Khaki Uniforms Demand ₹3.5 Crores Annually

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is confronted with financial challenges as it contemplates changing its uniform color from blue to khaki, requiring an annual expenditure of ₹3.5 crores. This decision comes amid reports that KSRTC employees have not received their uniform allowance for the past eight years.

Labor organizations assert that the employees have not received the allowance since 2015. The annual uniform allowance for field staff was ₹1,000 as per the 2012 agreement and ₹1,600 as per the 2021 agreement. Despite demands for the allocation of funds, a decision has been delayed due to the financial crisis.

The Kerala Textile Corporation typically supplies fabric produced in its mills for sewing KSRTC uniforms. However, employees currently need to arrange the funds for sewing uniforms themselves. There are approximately 26,000 KSRTC employees, with at least 24,000 requiring uniforms. Out of these, 18,000 uniforms are needed for operating staff alone. Only senior officers, clerical staff, and retirees are exempt from receiving uniforms.

The uniform revision in 2015, during Tomin J Thachankary’s tenure as MD, introduced navy blue pants and sky-blue shirts for drivers and conductors. The proposed return to khaki uniforms is met with mixed reactions, with some new-generation employees expressing disfavor. As of now, there have been no formal complaints. The police, who advocated for a change in the uniform color of other employees, have not opposed KSRTC’s move to khaki uniforms.