The bus operators of State are all set to go on an indefinite strike from June 17 in case if their demands are not met. The bus operators earlier had started their indefinite strike on May 24 but after the Darbha Ghati incident on May 25 they had called back the strike.
According to General Secretary of Chhattisgarh Yatayat Mahasangh (CYM) Hazi Sarif despite the hike in diesel prices and also increase in taxes bus fair had not been increased due to which bus operators were bearing heavy loss.
Notably about 8,000 small and long route distance buses are currently running in state, which are the back bone of public transport in state. Post Darbha massacre the CYM received a letter from the state government which assured fulfilling five of their major demands, however so far the assurance has not been converted into decision, informed CYM office bearers.
The CMY has demanded hike in bus fair of Rs 5 for 5 kms and an added 15 percent increased in fares on per kilometre basis thereafter on the lines of prevailing fares in Madhya Pradesh state. The seating capacity of the commercial buses should be categorized as simple deluxe, semi-sleeper and sleeper on wheel base of vehicle.
No fresh temporary or permanent permits to be issued unless the stipulated time between the plying buses is attained. In compliance to last notification, registration of vehicles having completed 15 years on road should be annulled with immediate effect. Prohibition of All India permits vehicles on routes where state carriage permit vehicles commute.
Discourage the penalty drive mounted during monthly inspections by the RTO flying squads. Recovery of the due taxes from the commercial buses on easy instalments, in addition to issuance of fitness certificates for smooth operations.
life of buses on run should be increased from 12 years to 15 years. The 30-seater buses should be allowed to ply 165 kms while the 35-seater buses should be allowed to ply for more than 165 kms. Fix time between running of two buses.