With only a few days left for the reopening of education institutions after summer vacations, the private bus operators association in the state is all set to launch protest programs including the indefinite strike aiming to add pressure on government.
The operators mainly demand fare hike, withdrawal of the concession ticket system for students and formation of welfare fund for the bus operators in the state.
The state treasurer of the association A Hamza said the industry was on the verge of collapse and government should take immediate step to save it.
“The number of private buses which operated in the district two years ago was 32000, but the number has been decreased to 15000 now” he pointed out.
‘We have decided to go on with the decision to launch an indefinite strike. The date of the strike would be announced later, he said adding that the buses will stay off the roads in state if the government turn blind eye to our demands.’
The frequent announcement of diesel price hike coupled with the 300% hike of insurance premium during last three years, has started to severely affect the industry. The increase in the price of lubricants and spare parts had made operations and maintenance prohibitively costly, said the treasurer.
The government should be ready to withdraw the student ticket system in private buses or should be ready to give subsidy as the compensation for the revenue loss due to the concession ticket facilities for students, said the state treasurer.
Unlike the KSRTC, we have to fend ourselves. As our losses are mounting we have no other option but to suspend operations, he added.
He said, the organization will stage a dharna in front of secretariat on May 30 ahead of the launch of protest programs.
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