Govt proposed forming society for private bus industry: Dhavalikar

PANJIM, JUNE 30
State Transport Department has said that they had proposed forming of a society for private bus industry which would benefit them immense financially.
“If the society is formed around 24,000 people would be benefited. There are 6,000 people working as conductors, cleaners and drivers on various private buses, if we consider four of their family members, everyone will be benefited,” Transport Minister Ramakrishna Dhavalikar said.
Dhavalikar’s reaction came after, private bus operators in the State alleged that the government is not willing to form a society for private bus industry. The operators had condemned Dhavalikar for being insensitive towards their issue. They have also demanded sacking him from ministerial post.
However, Dhavalikar alleged that the private bus operators are not ready to take up the suggestion of forming a society.
“Through the society, we can provide them facilities like insurance of Rs 5 lakh, provident fund and other security avenues. However, they themselves are not ready to form a society,” he said.
The minister said that it’s just not only the person who works but also those who are dependent on him would be benefited. “The society can help their children get their higher education financed,” he said.
The former Public Works Department minister said that during his stint as PWD minister, such a society was formed, which is currently covering 2,000 people.
Dhavalikar said that he is ready to provide office space for association at various Kadamba bus stands where they can set up their computerised office and maintain a log of bus movement.