Recently in Bangalore, private transport operators made an announcement of a strike, thus leading to critical transportation problems in the city.
The strike
Image credit: Business Line (The Hindu)
The private transportation operators of Bangalore have recently initiated a strike today 11th September 2024.
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This strike was planned by associations that function on behalf of auto, bus, and taxi drivers, etc.
The protesters belong to 32 unions representing private vehicles.
They carried on their protests in the form of a march covering the city’s Majestic to Freedom Park.
As per the Indian Express report, incidents of pelting of stones were also reported.
During the protest, they listed some of their demands.
What is the strike all about?
According to protesters, they (private transport operators) are drastically inconvenienced by the launch of the Shakti Scheme which gives bus travel to women of Karnataka free of cost.
This scheme was one of the electoral promises that Congress made to the common people of the state.
Due to this reason, these 32 unions of transport representing auto-rickshaws, taxis, and bus drivers are meeting with the Minister of Transport Karnataka Ramalinga Reddy for their inclusion under the Shakti program and demanded compensation for their revenue loss.
In addition to that, they also put forward another set of demands.
This call for the bandh again came after the protestors complained that the state transport department had reportedly failed to take cognizance of their 28 listed demands by the 28th of August 2024.
But later according to media reports, the strike was suspended.
What are the protestor’s main demands?
These are the main demands listed by the unions were the following:
Image credit: Indian Express
₹10,000 funds demanded by auto-rickshaw drivers every month.
Constituting corporation for commercial drivers belonging to unorganized sector corporation of transport development
A new aggregate government app for the cabs similar to that of Ola and Uber
New Indira canteen on government’s subsidy, which will provide cab drivers lower cost food near Kempegowda airport.
Take back the Shakti scheme and call for the removal of road taxes.
Subsidies for taxi drivers for new cars
Government of Karnataka’s reaction to these demands
Image credit: Bangalore Mirror
With regard to these demands, the state transport minister has clarified they have accepted most of the protests’ demands.
He said the transport operators want a development board, and this demand is accepted. As for the setup of Indira Canteen, near the airport, I have called for the BBMP, to fasten the process…
But he further said that other sets of demands like the removal of the Shakti scheme, exempting life tax, and providing funds every month can’t be done.
As for the rest of the demands, the responsibility of the proceedings will be given to the transport commissioner.
Chief Minister Siddaramiah on the Bangalore Bandh
According to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, he opined that some demands made by private transport operators are unrealistic and can’t be fulfilled.
On the question of the Bangalore bandh, he further said we can’t put a hold on the bandh and protests. They are a part of democracy. But he emphasized that the protests should be peaceful.
Effects on the City
According to reports in the media, some of the private educational institutions are closed and have announced holidays.
Major stress was caused to the commuters as almost all the private transport like airports cabs and other services were not on the road due to the strike.
