Private Bus Owners Begin Indefinite Hunger Strike Against Priyadarshini Scheme

Thiruvananthapuram: Private bus owners in Keralam, who say they have been pushed into financial distress by the government’s Priyadarshini scheme, began an indefinite hunger strike in front of the Secretariat at 10 am on Tuesday. The bus owners said the scheme had plunged the private bus industry into a severe financial crisis. Two owners will observe the hunger strike each day.

The protesters are demanding an increase in the minimum bus fare to Rs 20, a hike in student concession fares, and measures to protect bus owners and employees affected by the Priyadarshini scheme.

According to the owners, private buses operating on routes covered by the scheme are not earning enough even to meet diesel expenses and staff wages. They said the situation had made it increasingly difficult to continue operating their services.

The bus owners alleged that no favourable action had been taken despite meeting the Chief Minister and other officials in person to raise their grievances. They decided to intensify the agitation following the lack of a response.

The owners had earlier taken out a march to the Secretariat demanding action. The indefinite hunger strike is a continuation of that protest.

They have also warned that they will launch an indefinite private bus strike from the first week of November if the issue remains unresolved.