BMTC staff protest against depot manager

BANGALORE: Drivers and conductors of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) stationed at the Yeshwantpur Depot stopped work for an hour between 1.45 and 2.45 pm on Monday. They  protested  against alleged irregularities by the depot manager Muttaiah, in granting leave to the depot employees.Senior officials from the BMTC visited the spot and after a discussion, the employees resumed services as the director (Technical)  S K Paramesh promised to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter.He agreed that Muttaiah was misbehaving with the depot staff but stated that action would be taken against him only after an inquiry was conducted.BMTC officials said that Muttaiah allegedly behaved rudely with employees and even demanded money for sanctioning leaves. “This is the immediate provocation for the outburst today. Paramesh is looking into the matter and will visit the depot again on Wednesday for detailed enquiries,” said the spokesperson for BMTC.In a press release, the KSRTC Staff and Workers Federation lashed out at the administration of BMTC and alleged that corruption exists at all levels.The release alleged that Transport Minister R Ashok and Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda have ignored the federation despite many reminders. They demanded a meeting of the management of all road transport corporations with the federation to address the problems of workmen.“We urge the Chief Minister to convene a joint meeting to stop victimization of Trade Union Cadres,” said the federation general secretary H V Ananthasubba Rao.