In a watershed for Karnataka’s public infrastructure, the state government has officially announced ₹1,271.92 crore to liberate employees from salary arrears in the run-up to the uprising in four of the state-controlled transport entities. This is a planned push to curb the "Bengaluru Chalo" demonstration that is on February 19, 2026.
Government Reactions to Mounting Violence
The Karnataka state government is now finally bringing the demands of the Joint Action Committee from the transport workers to bear after months of rising tension and successive rounds of failed negotiations. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy ordered an official release on February 18, 2026, after holding a state-level discussion with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Finance Department.
The transport staff had been prepared to assemble at Freedom Park, collectively representing KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC, to march against the delay in wage revisions and unpaid arrears. The government's quick intervention is intended to curb a complete interruption of public transport services that would have impacted millions of commuters.
Main Financial Impacts of the Order
The issuance of the official order (No. AE 135 Expenditure-11/2023) provides a breakdown of the monetary commitment as follows:
- Arrears Approved: 26 months in balance 38 months due Payment
- Total Amount: ₹1,271.92 crore, for the immediate handling purposes
Specific Eras Covered:
- ₹718.93 crore for 14 months (January 1, 2022 – February 28, 2023).
₹552.99 crore for 12 months (January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021).
Wage Revision and Future Negotiations
The government has committed to long-term salary restructuring in addition to paying arrears in the short term. The order shall take effect from April 1, 2025 and commence discussions with labor unions on a percentage-based pay revision. Although the employees had tried to apply for an update starting from January 2024, the government has set the date 2025, having promised a joint process to come up with the exact increase.
The Unions' Stance
Even with the government announcement, union leaders are wary. The JAC had actually demanded the correct 38 months of arrears (up to January 2020) and a 25% salary increase. Although the release of 26 months’ pay is a significant gain for all its workers, certain unionist members say they will not move past their "Bengaluru Chalo" protest until formal guarantees about the latter year's arrears and other fringe benefits exist.
Impact on Public Transport
Currently, the government has called for all transport personnel to report to duty, saying the release of funds is a sign of good faith. The unions have also said they are setting a deadline of 4:00 PM on February 19 before deciding to continue with a strike indefinitely, and commuters are encouraged to keep abreast of local news.
