Maharashtra Braces For Major Disruptions As Goods Transport, School Bus Associations Declare Indefinite Strike Over E-Challan Fines

The supply chain and daily transportation services in Maharashtra are poised for major disruption as goods transport and school bus associations have announced an indefinite strike starting July 1 and July 2, respectively. This move comes amid escalating tensions between drivers, vehicle owners, and the government over grievances related to fines collection - e challan - and operational challenges.

The Maharashtra State Vehicle Drivers-Owners and Representatives Federation declared a statewide strike commencing July 1, protesting what they describe as forced fines and financial exploitation under the current e-challan system. They have warned that failure by the government to address their demands could lead to intensified actions, severely affecting the movement of essential goods across the state.

Adding to the turmoil, the School Bus Owners Association has decided to join the indefinite strike starting July 2. This will see school bus drivers, responsible for transporting thousands of students daily, halting services indefinitely. As a result, schools are being advised to switch temporarily to online classes or alter academic schedules to accommodate the sudden lack of transportation.

The school bus sector’s grievances center on the imposition of punitive e-challan fines for usage of safety and monitoring equipment such as CCTV cameras, GPS, and web readers. Further complaints include unwarranted penalties when buses pick up or drop off students at school gates. The association demands the immediate cancellation of such unfair fines and calls for uniform application of all recommendations related to school transport services.

Anil Garg, President of the School Bus Owners Association, voiced strong condemnation of the authorities’ neglect, stating, “For many years, problems faced by the school transport sector have been ignored. We urge the government to take immediate action and form a joint task force with the RTO, police, and transport organizations to find lasting solutions.”

The strike threatens to not only disrupt daily commutes for students but also hamper the delivery of essential commodities across Maharashtra, potentially triggering shortages and economic consequences.The government has yet to issue an official response to the strike notices, while both associations insist their demands be addressed urgently to avoid further escalation.