Thiruvananthapuram: Private bus operators in Kerala have declared a strike in protest against recent government regulations, including the installation of seat belts and cameras in their buses. Bus owners argue that these mandates will place an additional financial burden on them.
They have stated that if the Chief Minister does not intervene to resolve the issue, they will initiate an indefinite strike on November 21.
In addition to their opposition to the seat belt and camera requirements, private bus operators are demanding an increase in student concessions fee for higher education students. The Protest Committee has also called upon the government to reconsider its decision to convert private limited bus stops into ordinary stops and to also reconsider cancelation of permits for private buses operating more than 140 kilometers. Another demand is to withdraw the order for free travel anywhere in the state for extremely poor students, which was set to commence on November 1.
The government, however, has taken a firm stance on the implementation of stricter regulations regarding seat belts and cameras in private buses. It has also indicated its willingness to cancel permits for private buses that do not comply with these instructions. If today’s strike doesn’t lead to a decision, private bus operators will start an indefinite strike on November 21.
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