The wheels of public transport in Haryana could come to a grinding halt next month as roadways employees’ unions escalated their agitation against the government’s transport policies.
-
The Primary Grievance: The central point of contention is the Kilometre Scheme, introduced in 2018. Under this model, the government hires private buses where the driver is provided by the owner while the conductor is a government employee. Unions claim the state pays excessive rates to private owners, leading to a deliberate neglect of the government-owned fleet.
-
Privatization Fears: “The number of government buses has dwindled from over 4,200 to around 3,200, while private permits are being handed out freely. This is a clear conspiracy to kill the public sector,” said a senior leader of the Haryana Roadways Workers Union.
-
Key Demands:
-
Scrap the Kilometre Scheme: Immediate withdrawal of all private buses hired under this model.
-
Fleet Expansion: Purchase of 10,000 new buses by the state government.
-
Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Restoration of the old pension benefits for all employees.
-
Regularization: Making temporary and contract workers permanent.
-
-
Government Stance: The Transport Department has maintained that hiring private buses is a cost-effective way to meet passenger demand without the massive upfront capital needed to buy new buses. Officials clarified that the “Roadways” identity remains intact as these buses follow government routes and timings.
