Protests occurred for first time in Karnataka’s history: BJP

Drivers are protesting over irregular payment of salary

113 electric buses operate from Depot-3

After the success of the Shakti Scheme that guaranteed free bus travel for women across Karnataka, the Karnataka Government decided to allocate more electric buses for the state. This was also keeping in mind the rising air pollution in Bengaluru. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) arranged for 600 electric buses across Bengaluru. Drivers for these buses were selected on a contractual basis. 

There are now however some problems that have arisen due to this arrangement.  Electric Bus drivers are protesting over irregular payment of their salary. BMTC holds 6842 buses under its control. 113 electric buses operate from Depot-3. Drivers work in three shifts. 

Also Read: Bengaluru: 10L passenger surge in BMTC, metro ridership up at 8L amid summer heat

The drivers allege that while regular bus drivers of the BMTC earn in the range of Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,00 per month, those working on a contractual basis are merely given Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 per month. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lashed out at the Indian National Congress (INC) over the protest. “The only government incapable of providing salaries to its officials is the Congress Government. Protests for regular dispensation of salaries have occurred for the first time in Karnataka’s history. CM Siddaramaiah should direct his efforts towards the payment of salary rather than constructing tales about the state not facing bankruptcy,” the X handle of BJP Karnataka said. 

ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಸಂಬಳ ಕೊಡಲು ಯೋಗ್ಯತೆ ಇಲ್ಲದ ಏಕೈಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರವೆಂದರೆ ಅದು @INCKarnataka ಸರ್ಕಾರ.

ತಮ್ಮ ಸಂಬಳವನ್ನು ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ನಮಗೆ ನೀಡಿ ಎಂದು ಸಾರಿಗೆ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳ ನೌಕರರು ಬೀದಿಗಿಳಿದಿರುವುದು ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಇತಿಹಾಸದಲ್ಲಿ ಇದೇ ಮೊದಲು.

ಸಿಎಂ @siddaramaiah ಅವರೇ, ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ದಿವಾಳಿಯಾಗಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ಮೇಜು ಕುಟ್ಟುವ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಪೌರುಷವನ್ನು… pic.twitter.com/mnGbMMPq9o

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 14, 2024