Situation improving with 3,500 buses plying: Govt
ACTION AGAINST STRIKING EMPLOYEES CONTINUES, COMMUTERS STILL STRUGGLING FOR TRANSPORTATION MODES
Even as the ongoing strike by Haryana Roadways employees entered the 12th day, the state government claimed that movement of buses is improving with every passing day.
On Saturday, more than 3,500 buses plied across state, including around 2,405 buses of roadways, 1,059 of cooperative societies and 120 private buses. Around 4,100 roadways buses run state roads on a normal day.
Stating that the Haryana government on Saturday suspended as many as 138 striking employees, mainly drivers and conductors, under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (Esma), additional chief secretary (transport) Dhanpat Singh said it had already terminated 200 striking employees who had been hired through outsourced agencies and 47 others who were still on probation and yet went on strike.
Even as Esma is in force, roadways employees are on strike since October 16 in protest against the government’s move to induct 700 private buses, which they allege is a step towards privatisation of the department and would benefit a chosen few.
On the other hand, the government refutes the allegations saying the move is in favour of employees, people and the government.
The employees have, however, extended their strike till October 29.
Even as the government held talks with the roadways employees leaders twice in the past few days, the negotiations failed with both – leaders and government – sticking to their respective stands.
SARVKARMCHARI SANGH TO ANNOUNCE NEXT STEP TODAY
As the government began action against striking employees who have extended their strike till October 29, the umbrella body of over 42 unions - Haryana Sarvkarmchari Sangh - backed their stir and even went on mass causal leave on Friday. Sangh general secretary Suvhash Lamba said various unions would hold a meeting on Sunday and announce their next course of action.
16 STRIKING DRIVERS FIRED
Thousands of commuters continue to suffer due to indefinite strike of Haryana Roadways employees.
As the strike entered the 12th day on Saturday, people were struggling to reach their destinations during this festive season.
However, the Haryana government has terminated the services of 16 striking drivers, who were on probation period. Officials claimed most of the buses were on road to ferry passengers.
Pardyuman Kumar, the roadways general manager of Karnal depot said the services of 16 drivers were terminated and efforts are being made to increase strength of buses.
BUSES OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS ROPED IN
With weekend in sight, the government on Saturday once again roped in buses of private schools to compensate for the roadways buses that were not plying due to roadways employees’ strike. The authorities said school managements were requested to allot their buses that will be free during 4th Saturday and Sunday. At many places, police officials were asked to drive roadways buses, even though a large number of commuters could be seen struggling to get buses.