Bargarh bus services hit by driver strike

Sambalpur: Public transport under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva scheme came to a standstill in Bargarh district on Tuesday as drivers of all 57 buses launched an indefinite strike over long hours, low pay, and wage cuts during local holidays.

"Our duty starts at 6 am and stretches till 7 to 8 pm, which goes far beyond an eight-hour workday," said Ugrasen Sahu, president of the district drivers' association. Bikram Sahu, district manager of Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), said the actual duty hours fall within limits once rest breaks are considered.

He added that driver recruitment and management fall under the purview of the private operator, not OSRTC. The private operator managing the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva fleet issued show cause notices to the drivers, warning of termination if they fail to justify their absence. However, Sayad Aslam, secretary of the drivers' association, maintained that they had given prior notice of the strike and had been raising their demands for the past three months.

The service disruption severely impacted local commuters. "I had to return home because no buses arrived. Private buses don't reach our area," said Namita Kalet, a Padampur resident who needed to visit the block office. Another commuter, Naresh Behera, missed a scheduled bank appointment due to the suspended bus services.

Bikram Sahu, district manager of Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), said the actual duty hours fall within limits once rest breaks are considered. He also clarified that driver recruitment and management fall under the purview of the private operator, not OSRTC.