Bengaluru: Standing adamant in his stance, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday again ruled out pay hike beyond 10 percent for the employees of state transport.

Speaking to media, he said that the government will stick to its stand regarding the pay hike.

“The government is well aware of the inconvenience caused by the ongoing strike and will try to find a solution for it,” he said.

“The agitating employees should understand the fact that all the four divisions of the state transport department are under loss. Despite this fact, the government has moved forward to hike the pay within its limits. If not agreed to the pay hike the government offers, firm decision will be taken on the issue as the government doesn’t want the general public to suffer more,” he added.

The Chief Minister hinted of imposing Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on the protesting employees.

According to onlookers, some ministers were insisting in favour of imposing ESMA at the earliest.

The State is witnessing a tough time with the employees of KSRTC, BMTC, NEKRTC and NWKRTC going on an indefinite strike from July 24 demanding a pay hike.