Punjab is set to bring favourable news for its government bus drivers and conductors as Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar on Tuesday directed the officials to fast-track preparations for a case to regularize these essential employees. Aiming to secure Cabinet approval soon, Bhullar is addressing long-standing demands of bus drivers and conductors across Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC (Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation), signaling a major shift in the employment structure and benefits for state transport workers.
Meeting representatives from the Punjab Roadways or PUNBUS Contract Workers Union and the PRTC State Transport Workers Unio, Bhullar outlined several key policy shifts, including transitioning employees from outsourced roles to contractual ones and, eventually, to permanent government positions. This move to regularize contract workers follows years of service by drivers and conductors who have been instrumental in maintaining public transportation operations across the State.
The Minister assured union representatives that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s Government is dedicated to resolve employee concerns and delivering on promises for better working conditions. Bhullar noted the Chief Minister’s commitment by establishing a special departmental committee tasked with addressing the issues faced by contractual drivers and conductors.
In line with employee demands, Bhullar directed the officials to draft a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementing a five percent annual salary increase for new drivers and conductors. Recognizing the challenges these employees face, he emphasized the importance of a fair and consistent wage growth system, which the SOP aims to formalize. The directive marks a significant policy shift, providing clarity on income progression for drivers and conductors at the onset of their careers.
In addition to discussions on long-term employment policies, Bhullar announced immediate improvements to the night stay allowance for drivers and conductors. The allowance for in-state night stays will now increase from Rs 50 to Rs 85, while out-of-state allowances will rise from Rs 60 to Rs 120. This measure, welcomed by union representatives, aims to alleviate the financial burden on drivers who often face overnight assignments away from home, offering them better support and financial security on duty.
The meeting further addressed the need for a structured pathway for outsourced employees to transition to contractual roles, and eventually, to secure regular government positions. Bhullar has instructed his Department to outline a comprehensive policy for such transitions, thus providing a transparent roadmap for workers aspiring to permanent positions within Punjab’s public transportation sector. This policy is expected to bring much-needed stability and predictability to employees’ career paths, a long-overdue demand of Punjab Roadways staff.
Bhullar has also instructed the officials to handle ongoing departmental cases concerning drivers and conductors with compassion, urging them to ensure quick and fair resolutions. By taking a proactive stance on resolving these issues, the Government aims to foster a more supportive working environment for all transport workers.
