Vikram Ditya Sharma/Ferozepur
Sharpening its attack on the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government, the Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS PRTC Contract Workers Union has accused the state government of betraying the transport workforce and facilitating a massive loot of the public transport sector through outsourcing, contractor raj, and corporate-driven KM Scheme tenders.
Addressing a press conference at Press Club Ferozepur, Union State President Resham Singh Gill and Media Advisor Udik Chand said that before coming to power, AAP had promised to resolve the long-pending demands of contractual transport employees. “Transport Minister and the CM had publicly stated that contractors would be removed, outsourced recruitments stopped, and departmental loot curbed. But after taking office, the government not only retained but multiplied contractors in Punbus and PRTC.
Depot Presidents Jatinder Singh (Ferozepur) and Ravinder Singh Rinku (Fazilka) alleged that despite CM’s directive on July 1, 2024, to resolve seven key union demands within a month through a special policy, no action has been taken. “On the contrary, even previously accepted demands—such as reinstating dismissed employees as per orders dated June 30, 2023—are now being revoked. Equal pay for equal work is denied and service rules are not being implemented,” they said.
Outsourced recruitment has increased and evidence-backed complaints about contractor corruption involving crores in EPF, ESI, and bribes remain unaddressed,” they alleged.
The leaders added that welfare funds, group insurance, and compensations due to deceased employees have also been misappropriated without any departmental action. “Instead of solving issues, new contractors are being brought in. Under the garb of reforms, corporate buses under the KM scheme are being pushed into the system using government permits. One such bus earns over ₹1.5 crore in six years for private owners while the department-owned buses cost only ₹34 lakh and serve for 15 years,” they claimed.
Depot Presidents Jatinder Singh (Ferozepur) and Ravinder Singh Rinku (Fazilka) alleged that despite CM’s directive on July 1, 2024, to resolve seven key union demands within a month through a special policy, no action has been taken. “On the contrary, even previously accepted demands—such as reinstating dismissed employees as per orders dated June 30, 2023—are now being revoked. Equal pay for equal work is denied and service rules are not being implemented,” they said.
They further pointed out that due to political favouritism and links with the transport mafia, over 568 buses remained off-road throughout 2022-23. Shortage of spares and staff continues, but the government is indifferent. “Over ₹1100 crore worth of free travel subsidies are pending from the government, causing salary delays for contractual employees every month,” they said.
General Secretary Mukhpal Singh and Treasurer Jasvir Singh added that CM and Transport Minister have repeatedly skipped meetings despite multiple assurances. “During the July 9 strike by contractual staff, the Finance Minister once again promised a resolution. Another meeting scheduled for July 16 with the Transport Minister never happened. Now, the Finance Minister has given time for July 28 to finalize the regularization policy. If this meeting fails or the KM Scheme tenders are not cancelled, the Union will proceed with indefinite statewide strike action as decided in Jalandhar,” they warned.
Depot units from Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Zira have pledged full support to the forthcoming agitation. Prominent leaders including Ramanpreet Singh and Prince Kumar of Fazilka were also present.