SRINAGAR: Minister for Transport, Satish Sharma, on Thursday chaired the 88th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) at the Civil Secretariat here, approving a series of key measures aimed at employee welfare and strengthening the corporation’s operations.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Finance, Shailendra Kumar; Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development, Mandeep Kaur; Secretary Transport, Avny Lavasa; Managing Director JKRTC, A.R. War, besides other board members and senior officers.
Among the major decisions taken during the meeting was the approval for implementation of the 7th Pay Commission scales for JKRTC employees, addressing a long-standing demand of the corporation’s workforce.
The Board also accorded in-principle approval to the confirmation of promotions of various officers and approved a revised wage structure for consolidated drivers working with the corporation.
In another significant decision, the corporation was directed to clear all pending gratuity and pensionary claims of retired employees. The Board also decided that JKRTC would formulate a comprehensive welfare policy for the next of kin of employees who die in harness.
During the meeting, the Board reviewed and confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting and examined the action taken report on earlier decisions.
A detailed review of JKRTC’s physical and financial performance was undertaken, focusing on operational efficiency, revenue generation and the expansion of public transport services across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Board also deliberated on the proposed budget for 2026-27 and discussed strategies related to asset monetisation, revenue enhancement and optimal utilisation of resources.
Progress regarding the procurement of 200 new electric buses under the PM e-Drive Scheme was reviewed, along with the status of disposal of auctioned vehicles.
Addressing the meeting, Satish Sharma emphasized the crucial role of JKRTC in providing affordable, reliable and efficient public transport services to the people.
He called for a result-oriented approach to transform the corporation into a modern, financially sustainable and passenger-friendly organisation.
“Innovation, transparency and accountability must guide all policy decisions, with public convenience at the core,” the minister said.
He directed officers to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for modernising transport infrastructure, improving passenger amenities and adopting digital technologies to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment towards strengthening public transport services, Satish Sharma said JKRTC would receive all necessary support to emerge as a vibrant and self-sustaining organisation capable of meeting the growing mobility needs of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
