MLAs demand buses for ladies, handicapped

TEAM HERALD

teamherald@herald-goa.com

PANJIM:  Demands for special ladies buses, handicapped-friendly buses and insurance for bus conductors and drivers were raised by MLAs in the House Wednesday.

While former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said that financial help should be provided to the conductors and drivers of the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC), BJP MLA Michael Lobo pushed for providing safe and secure bus travel for female passengers and asked State government to launch special ladies buses.

Kamat also suggested increasing the number of shuttle services, which provide point-to-point services. Opposition Leader Pratapsing Rane urged the government to start KTC services to remote places in Goa pointing out that KTC was started because the public were exploited by private bus operators and the remote areas were not connected with private bus services.

Kamat said that there are several cases, wherein drivers and conductors suffer injuries and are harassed by KTC administration in granting sick leave, advance salaries or any financial help. “They are not even been reimbursed,” he alleged. “If you don’t protect your staff….they will never help you,” Kamat added.

The Margao MLA urged the government to immediately start the work on new Margao bus stand. He urged the minister to call for a meeting with chief minister and issue work orders so that the work can begin at the earliest.  

Rane also feared ‘brain-drain’ in village areas. “KTC should start regular bus services in the remote areas of Sanguem, Sattari and Canacona. Efforts should be made to ensure that the benefits are provided to this section,” he said, adding ‘rather than looking at financial benefit, government should look into social benefit’.

Calangute MLA Michael Lobo demanded introduction of tourism-friendly buses to promote tourism along the coastal belt of Goa and at least two ladies special buses on each route to avoid discomfort and ill treatment of ladies.