Bengaluru: With several Kannada organisations calling for a Karnataka Bandh on Dec. 31 seeking ban on MES (Mahara-shtra Ekikaran Samiti), the KSRTC has asked its staff not to stay away from duty on that day in support of the Bandh.

In a directive issued on Monday, KSRTC Managing Director (MD) Shivayogi C. Kalasad said that it is learnt that KSRTC staff and workers have expressed support to the bandh. Pointing out that transport services come under essential services, he said that the staff should be knowing that the KSRTC is an essential service entity.

Contending that the KSRTC will operate its services as usual on Dec. 31, Kalasad warned the staff against taking direct part in the bandh called on Dec. 31.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that all the four State-run Transport Corporations — BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC — have issued a circular asking all the staff and workers not to abstain from work on Dec. 31.