The transport sector in Punjab remains in turmoil as the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) terminated 22 contractual workers on Saturday, following violent protests that left a police officer with severe burn injuries. This drastic action comes as bus operations across the state continue to be severely disrupted for the second consecutive day.
Mass Terminations and Arrests Following Violence
The PRTC management showed the door to 22 contractual employees in response to Friday's violent demonstrations. Among those dismissed, ten workers were arrested for their alleged involvement in the attack on a police officer in Sangrur and have been sent to judicial custody. The remaining twelve employees who were posted at the Patiala depot also lost their jobs.
In a sweeping move that has sent shockwaves through the workforce, nearly 600 employees statewide have been served show-cause notices, indicating potential further disciplinary action. The contractual and outsourced staff of PRTC, Punjab Roadways, and Punbus are protesting against the state government's Kilometer Scheme, which permits private operators to run buses with conductors provided by the department.
Roots of the Conflict: Broken Promises and New Policies
Workers accuse the AAP government of backtracking on its commitment to regularize long-serving contractual employees. Instead of honoring this promise, they claim the administration is resorting to increased outsourcing and police action to suppress dissent. The controversial Kilometer Scheme has become the flashpoint for these tensions.
Sangrur SSP S S Chahal confirmed that the ten arrested agitators were produced in court and remanded to judicial custody. The situation turned particularly violent in Dhuri during the protests when a local Station House Officer sustained serious burn injuries after being allegedly doused with petrol by a protestor. "The officer is stable but will take time to recover," Chahal stated, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Transport Services in Disarray Across Punjab
The ongoing labor unrest has crippled public transportation across Punjab, leaving thousands of commuters stranded. PRTC managing director Bikramjit Singh Shergill reported that some employees resumed duty on Saturday, enabling partial restoration of services. However, the improvement remains minimal compared to normal operations.
Official data reveals the extent of the disruption: only 620 buses were operational on Saturday, up from 464 on Friday but still far below the usual numbers. The situation varies across districts:
- Patiala: 150 of 226 buses plied
- Bathinda: 103 of 193 buses operational
- Sangrur, Mansa and Barnala: Reported skeletal services until late afternoon
Shergill provided clarification on the Kilometer Scheme, noting that contracts for approximately 140 buses had expired, but temporary extensions were granted pending fresh tenders. The next tender opening for 105 buses is scheduled for December 2, with plans to expand the scheme to 250 buses—a move that transport unions vehemently oppose.
Union Allegations and Broader Solidarity
Union leaders have cried foul over what they describe as targeted action against protestors. Harbans Singh, president of the Punjab Roadways Punbus State Transport Contractual Employees Union, made serious allegations against the authorities. He claimed the police "pre-planned" the burn incident and questioned how the agitator who allegedly threw petrol managed to escape injury himself.
Harbans Singh accused authorities of deliberately arresting union leaders to instill fear among workers. A crucial meeting with the transport minister and secretary is scheduled for Sunday, which could determine the future course of this conflict.
The Democratic Employees Federation has condemned the terminations and arrests as "repressive measures" aimed at silencing legitimate grievances. Several other unions—including those representing teachers, ASHA workers, and technical staff—have criticized what they call anti-employee policies and demanded immediate dialogue to resolve the crisis.
Commuters Bear the Brunt of the Standoff
Meanwhile, ordinary citizens continue to suffer the consequences of this labor-government standoff. Thousands of students, office-goers, and migrant workers faced immense difficulties, dealing with long queues, inflated fares, and overcrowded private vehicles as public transport remained largely non-functional.
With the December 2 tender deadline approaching rapidly, the conflict shows no signs of immediate resolution. Both sides appear entrenched in their positions, leaving commuters caught in the middle and wondering when normal bus services will resume across Punjab.
