Karnataka schools shut for two days as KSRTC workers strike

The Karnataka Government has decided to close all schools on 25 and 26 July 2016, given the indefinite strike by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) employees.

According to an official, the schools will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday to avoid problems for students because of the strike of the State Transport employees.

The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation employees have also joined the strike. It has forced the state authorities to close colleges in Bengaluru for the coming two days.

Since it is the fag end of the month, many schools had monthly unit tests that have been postponed to another date.

Bangalore University has in a press release informed that the undergraduate and post-graduate exam scheduled for Monday has been delayed, and the new dates will be intimated later.

However, the counseling for different Medical, Engineering, and Dental colleges across Karnataka will be held as scheduled.

Talks break down

More than 23,000 buses across the state will cease to run as the wage revision talks with the government broke down on Saturday.

The unions ask for a 30% pay hike while the authorities have agreed to give a 10% hike. According to sources, state transport personnel are said to receive much higher pay than their counterparts in other states, and a 30% hike will be impossible for the cash-starved state exchequer.

Bengaluru is the IT hub of the country, with many businesses located on the fringes of the city. It will be a real torture for employees to reach their workplaces. Companies have roped in private maxi cabs and have asked workers to carpool to get over the difficult situation.

Authorities have authorized the local Deputy Commissioners of the districts to declare a two-day holiday for schools and colleges based upon the current situation.