Contractual workers from Punjab's state-run transport corporations brought their grievances to the fore on Tuesday, staging protests at bus depots across the state. The employees of Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) are demanding the immediate release of their colleagues in jail, the withdrawal of criminal cases filed against protesting workers, and a halt to the privatisation of the public transport system.
Broken Promises and Delaying Tactics
The demonstrations were organised by the Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS/PRTC Contract Workers Union. Addressing the rallies, union leaders, including state vice-president Harkesh Kumar Vicky and chairman Sultan Singh, accused the state government of backtracking on pre-poll assurances. They highlighted the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) promise to regularise contractual staff and strengthen the transport department, a pledge they claim remains unfulfilled after four years in power.
"Our workers actively campaigned for the party, but even after four years in power, not a single employee has been regularised," the leaders stated. They alleged the government has only employed "delaying tactics" instead of taking concrete action.
Failed Dialogues and Alleged False Cases
The union revealed that despite holding 55 to 60 meetings with government officials, including two or three with the Chief Minister, their demands have seen no resolution. They pointed to a written assurance from the CM promising to address their issues within a month, but noted that over one and a half years have passed without a clear policy on regularisation or outsourcing.
Instead of progress, the leaders alleged, the government registered "false cases" against employees who agitated against privatisation and outsourcing. Several workers have been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sent to jail. "Some of our colleagues are still lodged in Sangrur jail for raising legitimate demands," they said.
Financial Crisis and Push for Privatisation
The protesting union accused the government of actively weakening the state transport system to pave the way for privatisation, specifically through the private kilometre scheme, while failing to add new government buses to the fleet. "The number of govt buses is steadily declining. The department is struggling to pay for tyres, spare parts, ticketing machines and even salaries," the leaders claimed.
They highlighted a critical financial blockage, alleging that nearly Rs 1,200 crore related to free travel concessions is pending with the government. "If this amount is released, most financial problems of PUNBUS and PRTC can be resolved," they argued, accusing the state of deliberately crippling the transport department.
The union also recounted severe police action during earlier protests, where leaders were detained from their homes, workers were manhandled, and 176 employees were jailed for five days. Twenty workers faced serious charges, and of these, ten remain in jail. Following the two-hour gate rallies, bus operations were partially affected as some buses remained non-operational due to the absence of protesting staff.
