Private bus operators threaten indefinite strike in Keralam
Private bus operators in Kerala are threatening an indefinite strike, claiming that the government's Priyadarshini free-travel scheme for women has severely impacted their financial viability. They argue that an expert committee's recommendations to support the sector are insufficient and have failed to address key demands like fare hikes and fuel subsidies.
Why it matters
The potential strike threatens to disrupt public transportation for thousands of commuters across the state of Kerala.
Private bus operators in Keralam on Sunday threatened to launch an indefinite strike over the financial impact of the KSRTC’s Priyadarshini scheme, saying the recommendations of an expert committee appointed to address their concerns are inadequate.
Private bus operators are raising concerns about their businesses being affected after the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) implemented the Priyadarshini scheme, under which women are allowed to travel on ordinary-category buses for free.
Following the concerns raised by the private bus operators, the State government appointed an expert committee to study their issues. The committee, after conducting a study, recommended declaring private bus services an industry and extending their operational life from 22 to 25 years to arrest the sector’s decline in Keralam. However, private bus operators claimed that committee’s recommendations reflect none of their major demands.
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