Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: The drivers of the Kadamba Transport Corporation’s (KTC) electric vehicle (EV) buses demonstrated in Margao, calling for a pay increase and permanent employment.
To further this demand, they met with Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, who promised to bring it up with the State administration and the KTC Chairman Tuenkar Ulhas.
The government is being criticized by Sardesai for treating these bus drivers like bonded laborers, saying
In addition to pointing out that these bus drivers have no employment perks, Sardesai criticized the government for treating them like bonded laborers and demanded that they be given job security. For this reason, he stated that they must receive a letter of joining.
The MLA further noted that EV drivers’ pay is lower than that of non-EV bus drivers, and that the government should at least ensure that their pay is comparable to that of non-EV bus drivers.
Sardesai went on to say that Goa needs more electric buses and that Union Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari had mentioned that the state’s next major problem is figuring out how to handle public transportation.
EV buses, Sardesai continued, would aid in resolving this problem and should be encouraged.
Additionally, he criticized the EV bus management company’s choice to post job openings for EV drivers in Karnataka.