After an assurance from Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy that most of their demands would be fulfilled, the Federation of the Karnataka State Private Transport Associations called off the day-long strike in Bengaluru on Monday afternoon, even as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that their demand to bear the loss they are suffering owing to the newly-launched Shakti scheme cannot be fulfilled.
The federation had made 30 demands, including a ban on bike taxis. They urged the government to extend the 'Shakti' scheme -- that offers free bus rides to women on state-run transport buses -- to private buses as well, among other demands. However, the transport minister agreed to fulfill 27 demands, barring those related to the 'Shakti' scheme.
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Transport union strike in Bengaluru
The Federation, comprising a total of 32 private transport associations, claimed that they have been negatively impacted by the Shakti scheme and that the state government has not fulfilled their demands despite repeated discussions. Giving free public bus rides to women was one of the five major poll guarantees promised by the Congress ahead of elections in state. However, as this scheme was only extended to public buses, private transporters have threatened to hit the streets ever since the scheme was rolled out.
Nataraj Sharma, President of the Federation, said they have called off the strike after the Minister addressed the protesters and assured them to meet most of their demands. However, if a written assurance is not granted by Tuesday evening, the Federation has warned the government of sitting on a hunger strike in front of the Transport department from Wednesday onwards.
