Pune: Guardian Minister Girish Bapat on Wednesday said that it would be difficult for the government to implement the 7th Pay Commission for State Transport (ST) Mahamandal employees. The minister was speaking at a press meet on Wednesday.
“The State government employees are yet to fall under the 7th Pay Commission and so, there is no question of 7th Pay Commission being applicable to Mahamandals in the State,” added Bapat.
Over one lakh employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) have gone on an indefinite strike, demanding a hike in salary, causing hardships to thousands of long-distance passengers. Following the state-wide protest of ST bus services, Collector Saurabh Rao said that they have approached private bus operators and around 650 private buses are now available.
“We are trying to increase the number of private buses to 1,000 by Wednesday evening. Around 450 ST buses make multiple trips in Pune and so, we are trying to accommodate more private buses,” added Rao.
Speaking about the high rates charged by private players, Rao said that they have urged private bus players to charge the same amount as government buses.
“The private players are working on instructions of the government and if any person is obstructing them, they will be charged under Section 353 of the Indian Penal Code,” added Rao.
The Collector said that the ground of College of Engineering, Pune, has been provided for parking facility for private players.
“We are also trying to provide parking space for private players at ST bus stops, as people are reaching these bus stops and then finding out about the strike. These ST bus stops are occupied by ST buses and so private buses are unable to use the space.,” added Rao.
