Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Private bus operators across the state have announced a two-day strike from Monday, disrupting transportation services in the state. Over 1,000 buses in Bhopal district and around 3,000 buses across the division will remain off the roads, leaving commuters in all districts facing significant challenges.
The strike is in protest against the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s recent ban on issuing temporary permits for passenger buses. This decision has sparked outrage among bus operators, who argue that temporary permits are critical for their operations.
According to information, key bus stands in Bhopal, including Nadra, ISBT, and Halalpur, witnessed a complete halt in operations. Similarly, buses in Indore, Jabalpur, and other districts also suspended services during the strike. Representatives of the bus operators have warned that if their demands are not addressed, the strike could be extended indefinitely.
The High Court’s decision came after it was revealed that temporary permits were being issued arbitrarily by the Transport Department, leading to alleged corruption. Under Section 87 (1)(c) of the Motor Vehicles Act, temporary permits are meant to be issued only in special circumstances. However, the court observed that these permits had become the norm, undermining the system's integrity.
The Gwalior Bench of the High Court emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Principal Secretary of the Transport Department to address the irregularities and eliminate corruption.
Gopal Paigwar, a representative of the bus operators told Free Press that, “We demand that temporary permits continue to be issued until permanent permits are granted. Many drivers, conductors, and helpers have lost their jobs due to the halt in temporary permits. Despite paying taxes for January, we still haven’t received permits.” Paigwar added that their grievances had been raised with the state’s Transport Minister Uday Pratap Singh but no solution has been provided.
