Mysore/Mysuru: More than 250 tourist bus  drivers and mechanics were distributed ration kits at a programme organised under the aegis of Mysuru Tourist Bus Owners Association near Dasara Exhibition Grounds here on Friday.

The kits were donated by Chamundeshwari MLA G.T. Devegowda and his son G.D. Harish Gowda, President of MCDCC Bank.

Speaking on the occasion, Mysuru Tourist Bus Owners Association President A. V. Prithviraj said that the operation of tourist buses has been  completely stopped following the second wave of COVID -19 attack that has resulted in huge financial loss to bus owners and also loss of jobs. Noting that drivers, mechanics and all others associated with bus operations are finding it difficult to lead a decent life in the backdrop of loss of income, he said that the Association taking note of their plight, has distributed ration kits to them. 

Reminding that tourist buses came to the rescue of the Government when KSRTC staff went on an indefinite strike in April this year, Prithviraj bemoaned that the Government has failed to come to their help in this hour of crisis. He wanted the Government to announce a financial package for Tourist bus operators who are in deep crisis due to loss of income and mounting taxes. Association office-bearers Somanna, Dayanand, K.M. Durgesh and others were present.