PANJIM: The members of the KTC Drivers and Allied Employees’ Association who have been protesting continuously for 24 days have extended their protest until March 6, at the Azad Maidan, Panjim. The demonstrators are steadfast in their call for the immediate fulfilment of their demands, urging Chief Minister’s intervention to swiftly resolve the matter. They said all buses will remain operational during the entire protest period.
Emphasizing their commitment to the cause, the protesters insist that the demonstration will persist until their concerns are adequately addressed. Notably, assurances have been given by the Chief Minister during a meeting held on Thursday, assuring resolution of their issues by the deadline of March 6.
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Adv Suhaas Naik of AITUC said, “Government has implemented but not signed the agreement. There is some kind of mischief. We have told the Chief Minister to call a meeting of the Labour Commissioner, the KTC management and call the Union committee members and ensure that the agreement is signed before the Labour Commissioner. The Union members are grateful to the CM for implementing and they hope that all issues will be resolved on March 6, the date on which CM has agreed to sign the agreement. We appeal to the CM to keep your promise and sign the agreement.”
Additionally, there is a resolute demand for an elevation in the monthly wages of Kadamba bus drivers and conductors who have served for over two years, seeking an increase from Rs 18,000 to Rs 30,000.
Expressing concern over the potential scrapping of approximately 150-200 buses from the total fleet of 400, the demonstrators stress the potential ramifications on transportation services. Of particular worry are the students and residents of remote areas heavily dependent on these buses. The protesters remain resolute in their stance, awaiting concrete actions to address their grievances and bring an end to the prolonged demonstration.
