K'taka to recruit over 18,000 for RTCs: Minister

Bangalore, Nov 4 (UNI) State-owned Road Transport Corporations, including Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), will recruit over 18,000 personnel, Karnataka Transport Minister R Ashok said here today.

Speaking to newspersons, Mr Ashok said following increase in services of the State-owned buses to both rural and urban areas, the RTCs were facing severe staff shortage.

To fill the gap, it was decided to recruit over 18,000 personnel, including drivers, conductors and mechanics this year.

Claiming that the entire recruitment would be done in accordance with rules and procedures, Mr Ashok said no efforts would be spared to maintain transparency in the appointment process.

''Women candidates would form 30 per cent of the total recruitment,'' he said.

Replying to questions, the Minister said the Supreme Court had issued directions to Karnataka to take steps against plying of private buses on nationalised routes violating the norms.

''The issue is before the Karnataka High Court and once the matter is settled, the government will introduce about 1,600 new buses,'' he said.

He claimed the KSRTC has enough fleet to meet the demand, if private operators were banned from running the buses.

The Minister agreed that in certain region, the bus fare of RTCs was high compared to private buses.

UNI MV ATI NS1526