Rajasthan Private Bus Strike Update: The strike by private bus operators has caused chaos in Rajasthan. 35,000 buses have stopped operating in Didwana, Nagaur, Karauli, and Kota. They have refused to provide buses for PM Modi's rally. Learn about the 11 demands of the bus operators...

Rajasthan News: The dispute between private bus operators and the government in Rajasthan has now escalated into a bitter all-out war. After talks with the government remained inconclusive, the wheels of approximately 35,000 sleeper, stage carriage, and public transport buses in the state have remained stalled for the second consecutive day. The biggest impact of this strike will be on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming rally in Ajmer, as operators have flatly refused to provide buses for the rally.

Outrage from Didwana to Kota

In recent days, bus operators protested at the Salasar bus stand on Wednesday. Operators directly allege that RTO Dharmendra Chaudhary and Inspector Rajesh Chaudhary are issuing hefty fines, violating regulations. The Nagaur Association also submitted a memorandum to the Collector in the name of the Chief Minister. Meanwhile, Karauli operators (Mukesh Sharma, also known as Mukti Pandey) reported that bus owners are troubled by the bullying of tempo drivers and harassment in the name of fitness. When traveling to other districts for fitness checks, they are automatically fined 5,000 to 10,000 rupees at the toll. Meanwhile, 350 buses that run daily from Gangapur City remained stranded. In the Kota division, bus stands are deserted due to the suspension of 500 buses. Roadways buses are carrying more passengers than their capacity, risking their lives.

What are the demands of private bus operators?

1. Didwana RTO Dharmendra Chaudhary and Inspector Rajesh Chaudhary should be immediately APOed.
2. During checking, only online documents from the government portal should be accepted instead of physical papers.
3. Operators in districts like Karauli should get fitness facilities at the district headquarters itself so that they do not get challaned at the toll when they go to another city.
4. Clear permission should be given for installing nets (carriers) and carrying luggage on the roof of stage carriages and tourist buses.
5. There should be an immediate ban on the Transport Department seizing buses without hearing and imposing heavy special road tax.
6. The duration of Temporary Permit (TP) should be made 24 hours on the lines of other states and the portal should not be closed during rallies.
7. On the lines of roadways, a 'high level committee' should be formed for the fares of private buses also.
8. During elections or rallies, same fares and rules should be applicable for roadways and private buses.
9. The buses whose RC and fitness have been suspended should be immediately restored and relief should be provided.
10. Just the body code and other new rules should be implemented from April 1 only.
11. The registration of old buses coming from other states should be smooth and a separate tax slab should be created for AITP buses.

Administration's tension increased, passengers were in distress

The suspension of private buses has increased the burden on roadways buses. The bus owners (Vijay Singh, Pramod Singh, Likhma Ram Bhambhu, and Guman Singh) have stated that the blockade will continue until their 11 legitimate demands are met. It remains to be seen how the government resolves this impasse and ensures transportation for PM Modi's rally.