Thrissur: A section of private bus operators has threatened to go on an indefinite strike following the government's decision to introduce free travel for women in KSRTC ordinary buses. The operators stated that they will launch the strike unless the government announces special packages to support them in the state budget, which is to be presented on June 19.
Strike Call by Bus Operators Organisation
The strike call has been given by the Bus Operators Organisation. Its state general secretary, T Gopinathan, said that women account for nearly 70% of the passengers in private buses, and a large majority of them will shift to KSRTC buses when free travel is introduced. He added that about 10,000 private buses are operating in the state, and they will face severe losses if free travel is implemented in KSRTC buses.
Demands for Government Support
The operators demand that the government introduce support measures for private buses, such as offering subsidized diesel and hiking students' travel concession rates. M S Premkumar, an office-bearer of the Kerala State Private Bus Operators' Federation, said the state committee of the organisation will meet on Tuesday to chart out the course of agitation on the issue.
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