NMC asks Aapli Bus operators to suspend striking conductors, drivers
Nagpur: Lakhs of commuters have been left hassled and harassed as the indefinite strike by Aapli Bus drivers and conductors continued for the fourth day on Friday, March 4 in Nagpur. Only 10 buses could be operated by NMC on various routes across the city on Thursday.
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24 May 2025
Taking a serious view of the strike, NMC Transport Department on Thursday directed Aapli Bus operators to suspend 100 conductors and 50 drivers who are part of the stir.
Terming the strike illegal, Transport Committee Chairman Jitendra Kukde said the association which gave the strike call was not registered. In a meeting with stakeholders on February 25, the agitating leaders, drivers and conductors had assured that they will not resort to any strike. But they took a U-Turn and went on strike from March 1, he lamented.
Kukde further said NMC had already approached the State Government and sought clarification regarding implementation of Government Resolutions (GR) over revision of salary issued in 2010 and 2015. The agitating employees are demanding implementation of 2015 GR, but operators are disbursing salary on the basis of Minimum Wage Act of 2010 GR.
Though NMC has approached the State Government to empower them to invoke the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) against the striking Aapli Bus employees, the private operators affiliated to the city bus operations asked them to end the stir and come to the negotiating table.
In the absence of city buses, the harried commuters complained that auto-rickshaw drivers were charging much more than the normal fares. Some commuters also appealed to District Guardian Minister Nitin Raut to take necessary steps to end the strike.
One of the commuters, who travels from Kamptee to Sitabuldi by Aapli Bus daily, said that auto-rickshaws plying in Nagpur city never operate by meter anyway. Now, the three-wheeler drivers are charging far more than the normal fares, and if we do not agree to pay as much, they flatly refuse the ride. This exploitation must be stopped, the commuter demanded.
