The decision on mandatory ID cards for bus drivers and conductors were taken at a meeeting held at RTO office under the chairmanship of DCP Dharmaiah on Wednesday.
RTO Mallikarjuna said that the bus owners should initiate measures to distribute bus passes to all the bus drivers and conductors. The ID cards should have blood group, photographs and complete details of the driver/conductor. This will help the officials to respond immediately after any untoward incident.
The bus owners should also provide PF and ESI facilities to the employees.
Reacting to it, the bus owners said that all the employees will get ID cards. However, a few bus conductors and drivers have moved away from the PF and ESI facilities. The facilities will be given to all.
The RTO said that the bus drivers should always follow dress code and if the drivers fail to produce permits during inspection, action will be initiated against them.
Speaking on behalf of bus drivers and conductors, Ivan D’Souza said that bus driving license is given only to those who have passed SSLC. However, there are drivers who have passed seventh standard in the district. Hence, the rules should be simplified and permits should be issued to those who have passed seventh standard as well. The RTO in turn promised to speak to the DC, to submit a letter to the government. Bus drivers accused the bus owners of leasing out the buses. This has been creating problems. The RTO said that the buses will be inspected. If the permits were leased out, then we will cancel bus permits, he assured.
New pension scheme
Assistant Labour Commissioner Nagesh said that bus drivers and conductors have new pension scheme under unorganised labourers.
Only 2,134 persons have registered their names. The labourers have to pay Rs 100 per month or Rs 1,200 per annum. The Central and state governments will share Rs 100 each. After the retirement, the labourers will get pension facility.
e-ticketing
The RTO said that he has been receiving complaints from the public on failure of the conductors in issuing tickets and misbehaving with the passengers. The decision on issuing e-ticket will be taken in the next RTA meeting. Training will be imparted to bus conductors.
Bus Owners Association President Rajavarma Ballal said that the bus owners are committed to fulfill the demands of the conductors. The conductors should be punctual.
Many a time, bus drivers consume alcohol in the night. This has been resulting in accidents, to which, D’Souza said that he will sensitise the drivers. If they continue to drive after consuming alcohol, then the authorities can suspend their license.
Demands galore
Speaking at a press meet, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Karmika Parishat Bus Naukarara Sangha President Ivan D'Souza put forth various demands of the bus employees, which the District Administration has promised to look into.
"The bus owners have promised, that they shall not lease out the bus permits and strict action will be taken, if they are found doing so," said Ivan.
He further added, that buses will install speed governors by December, strict action will be taken against bus drivers, who drive without license and each driver will be given two sets of uniform every year, he said.