Transport workers take out rally against Orbit company

The Punjab Government Transport Workers Union (INTUC- Indian National Trade Union Congress) held a protest against Orbit company at the gate of the Workshop of Punjab Roadways here today.

Harbans Singh, general secretary of the union, said, “The company is affecting the business of Punjab Roadways and thus, making an impact on the state exchequer. The state government changed the transport policy in the year 2009. As per the new policy, the tax on AC buses, which was earlier rupees 7:50 per kilometre has now been reduced to 50 paise per kilometer.

It was in the year 2007 when the ratio between Punjab Roadways and private buses used to be 60:40. Ironically, this ratio has changed. Now private buses have been plying on 90 percent routes of National Highway.”

Meanwhile, Pardeep Kumar, president of the Punjab Government Transport Workers Union (INTUC), alleged that Orbit company had managed to get the timetable of buses adjusted to make its business more profitable. Harban Singh said, “There is a route of Punjab Roadways bus from Tohana to Ludhiana. One month later, Orbit company got its timetable adjusted before the time of Punjab Roadways bus. This way all the passengers of Punjab Roadways are picked up by this bus and our department is running losses.”

The agitating members of the union protested against the state government and Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal and demanded their resignation.