Why Are Employees of State-Run Buses on Strike in Punjab?
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Synopsis
On November 28, Punjab's state-run bus services faced a major disruption as contractual employees initiated a strike in response to police actions against union leaders. With over 3,000 buses off the roads, commuters found themselves stranded, leading to significant travel challenges across the state. The protest highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the Kilometre Scheme.
Key Takeaways
- Strike by contractual employees disrupted state-run bus services.
- Over 3,000 buses are off the roads, stranding commuters.
- Protest highlights tensions surrounding the Kilometre Scheme.
- Union leaders claim around 8,000 employees participated in the strike.
- Police intervention led to confrontations with protesters.
Chandigarh, Nov 28 (NationPress) Contractual employees from the state-operated Punjab Roadways, Punbus, and Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) initiated a strike on Friday after law enforcement detained several union leaders. The protest arose in response to the tender openings under the Kilometre Scheme, resulting in commuters being left stranded as more than 3,000 buses remained off the roads.
The strike caused significant inconvenience for many, particularly women, at all 27 depots across the state.
Women are entitled to free travel on state-operated buses, but the strike impacted passengers in various locations, including Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Moga, Amritsar, and Ferozepur. Many were forced to seek private transportation options, such as buses or taxis, to continue their journeys.
Both inter-state and intra-state bus services faced disruptions, compelling passengers to spend more on private transport. Officials noted that the Kilometre Scheme has been under scrutiny from transport employees, who argue it fosters corruption by allowing private operators to run buses on government-designated routes.
Union representatives labeled the policy a “backdoor attempt” to introduce private bus services and undermine the state-run transport system. They cautioned that it could lead to job losses, increased unemployment, and higher travel costs.
A confrontation occurred in Sangrur, the home district of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, between police and PRTC employees. Protesters climbed onto buses, threatening to ignite petrol they carried. Fortunately, police intervention prevented any serious escalation.
Union leaders claimed that around 8,000 contractual employees participated in the strike, organizing demonstrations at all bus depots across all 23 districts in Punjab.
The farmers' union, Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), condemned the police actions, viewing them as an assault on democratic rights. They asserted that the government should have engaged in dialogue rather than making arrests just before the planned protest.
Point of View
The ongoing strike by Punjab's state-run bus employees underscores significant issues surrounding public transport policies. The implications of the Kilometre Scheme highlight the need for a balanced approach that safeguards workers' rights while ensuring efficient transportation services for the public. The government's response will be pivotal in shaping future labor relations and public transport policies.
NationPress
28/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the strike by bus employees in Punjab?
The strike was initiated due to the detention of union leaders protesting the opening of tenders under the Kilometre Scheme.
How many buses are currently off the roads due to the strike?
Over 3,000 buses are not operational as a result of the strike.
What areas are most affected by the bus service disruption?
Passengers in key cities like Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Moga, Amritsar, and Ferozepur have been notably impacted.
What are the main concerns of the protesting employees?
Protesters are concerned that the Kilometre Scheme encourages corruption and undermines the state-run transport system.
Who has condemned the police action against the protesters?
The farmers' union Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has criticized the police actions, calling it an attack on democratic rights.
