Hubballi: Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy announced that the recruitment issue concerning 1,814 drivers for the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) will soon be resolved.Speaking after inaugurating the renovated Central Bus Stand on Gokul Road, on Friday, Reddy assured that the process would expedited after holding discussions with the chief minister.The recruitment notification was initially issued in 2019 but was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the current govt took office, applications for 2,814 posts were invited, with 1,000 positions already filled. Job aspirants seeking to fill the remaining vacancies have been protesting, prompting Reddy to pledge a resolution.Reddy highlighted that a proposal for 1,800 drivers was submitted to the chief minister, and he remains committed to supporting the candidates. He also mentioned the addition of over 700 buses to the fleet, with tenders for 300 more and approval for another 150. Further bus allocations are expected post-December. During his tenure, Reddy oversaw the filling of approximately 10,000 posts and the resumption of compassionate ground jobs, with 258 positions filled in the past two years.Reddy emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness at bus stands, urging divisional controllers to ensure proper upkeep, particularly of toilets. He warned of potential actions against controllers if cleanliness standards are not met.District minister Santosh Lad praised the state’s transport system, noting its daily service to 1.5 crore people and the addition of 5,800 new buses under the current govt. He credited Reddy’s tenure with earning 400 out of 670 awards for the organisation, significantly strengthening the transport system.Lad also highlighted the state’s financial commitment, with Rs 85,000 crore allocated for development works, salaries, and guarantee schemes, contributing to the highest per capita income in the country. He noted that families receive approximately Rs 7,000/month, improving the financial status of even the poorest citizens.MLA Mahesh Tenginakai called for the govt to fulfil its promise of providing Rs 932 crore to the organisation under the Shakti scheme, facilitating development works and addressing recruitment protests. He also stressed the need for more buses and passenger cooperation in maintaining cleanliness.Managing director M Priyanga noted significant changes in the organisation over the past two years, including the introduction of new technology and increased schedules, boosting transportation revenue.The event also featured the awarding of silver medals for accident-free driving, the unveiling of new buses, and the distribution of compensation cheques and appointment orders to dependents of deceased employees and those appointed on compassionate grounds.Legislative council members Saleem Ahemad, Pradeep Shettar, FH Jakkappanavar, Hescom chairman Syed Azim Peer Qadri, Bala Vikas Academy president Sangamesh Babaleshwar, NWKRTC chairman Raju Kage, vice-president Sunil Hanamannavar, mayor Jyoti Patil, and others were present.
