Roadways strike enters Day 2 as talks fail
Haryana govt refuses to withdraw scheme to give permits to pvt operators on 273 routes in state
As the talks between the Haryana Roadways employees’ union and the state government failed on Tuesday, the state-run buses remained off the road across Haryana for the second consecutive day with thousands of commuters facing hardships.
The union is protesting against the government scheme to give 853 permits to private bus operators on 273 routes and is demanding that more roadways buses be bought and run on these routes to give employment to more people. w
The state government, on the other hand, says it is in process to have its own buses, but private operators’ services are required in the wake of a huge gap between buses and passengers.
The talks, which began around noon, were held between transport minister Krishan Lal Panwar and the representatives of four unions, including Haryana Roadways employees’ union.
While the officials said the government was willing to thrash out all issues, union general secretary Sarbat Punia told HT that they decided to continue the strike after the government refused to withdraw permits to private operators.
Additional chief secretary SS Dhillon said the government had already given permits to private operators as per the verdict of the Punjab and Haryana high court and the state government policy which could not be withdrawn.
“Moreover, since the move does not and will not have any impact on the routes, timings, duty hours, salaries or future of any roadways employee, it is unfortunate that they have resorted to strike thus inconveniencing passengers,” he said
On the impact of the strike on passengers, he said private bus operators ran buses in all parts of the state, though from outside the bus stands. “We have made adequate security arrangements,’ he said.