MARGAO
Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai, has raised serious concerns regarding the exploitation of Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) electric vehicle (EV) bus drivers, who have been denied even their basic rights for over three years.
A delegation of the KTC EV bus drivers called on the Goa Forward Chief to highlight their plight that they have not yet received their employment letters despite being on the job for three years. They also pointed out that they are being paid a meagre salary of Rs 16,000 per month, contrary to the claims made by KTCL chairman and Navelim MLA, Ulhas Tuemkar, who had stated that the salary is Rs 24,000. In comparison, non-EV drivers are paid Rs 22,000, raising questions as to why EV drivers are being unfairly paid.
Condemning this disparity, Sardesai emphasized that these drivers numbering 150, are being treated like "bonded labour," without job security or recognition at work. “These drivers deserve to be paid on par with regular diesel bus drivers, and they should not be treated as daily wage labourers,” Sardesai said.
He urged Ulhas Tuemkar to address this issue immediately by issuing their joining letters, and ensuring salary parity with other drivers. He further demanded that these workers be treated with dignity and given security in their jobs.
The Fatorda MLA also warned against any potential targeting of the EV bus drivers for making their grievances public, or for approaching him. “We will not tolerate any injustice against these drivers. They are simply demanding their rights, and we stand firmly with them,” Sardesai declared.
In addition, Sardesai reiterated his call for the expansion of the EV bus network across Goa, including in Fatorda, similar to the recently launched EV city buses in Panaji. He emphasized the need for a stronger public transport network in the state, citing the Union Road Transport and Highways minister’s statement that Goa’s next challenge is improving public transport.
Sardesai also took the opportunity to question the Goa government’s commitment to providing jobs for Goans. He criticized Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for encouraging Goans to start businesses, while at the same time contracts are being awarded to non-Goans. “The Labour Minister has shamefully admitted that there is no law to guarantee jobs for Goans and to protect our interests. This is unacceptable,” Sardesai asserted.
The Goa Forward Party stands in solidarity with the KTCL EV bus drivers and demands immediate action to resolve their grievances, along with broader reforms to improve public transport and ensure employment opportunities for Goans in their own state, he added.
