People of Bengaluru, we have an important news to share. Private transport owners of the city have taken a decision to conduct a bandh this month. On 11 September 2023, the Federation of the Karnataka State Private Transport Association is holding a bandh. This transport association represents a total of 32 unions, according to a report by the Indian Express. There are some significant reasons behind this decision.
Here’s Why The Concerned People Called For A Bandh In Bengaluru
Owners and operators of private transport came to the conclusion to take a step against the transport department. The government initiated the Shakti scheme in Karnataka where female passengers can travel in buses for free. This initiative to charge nothing from women turned out to be a loss for private transporters and that’s why they decided to protest against the transport department, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
The Federation of the Karnataka State Private Transport Association has decided to protest by conducting a march. The plans are to start at KSR Bengaluru Railway Station and continue to Freedom Park. The Indian Express report states that about 9 lakh private commercial transport facilities are going to participate in the Bengaluru bandh by not operating transportation on 11 September. The commercial vehicles that are cooperating with the call-off are airport taxis, buses, autos, and more.
They Have A Total Of 30 Demands
The list of demands includes a financial aid of ₹10,000 for every driver. They want the authorities to ban app-based aggregators from providing services. In fact, they are demanding to put a ban on bike taxis operating in Bengaluru. Some of their demands are about asking for a significant corporation to help unorganised commercial drivers. They also demand a system where drivers can take loans at a low interest.
Natraj Sharma is the president of the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association. While talking to the reporters, he discussed the association and the private transporters’ demands. They have submitted 30 demands to Ramalinga Reddy, the Karnataka Transport Minister. According to their previous meetings, the transport department was supposed to meet 28 of their demands by the end of August 2023. But that did not happen.
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What do you think of this decision by the association?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva