Private operators threaten to launch agitation

Mangalore, Nov 5 (UNI) The state government's move to ban the private bus transportation system and bring in government city transportation has come under a severe criticism by the private bus owners and bus workers association.

The Daxina Kannada District Bus Workers' Association which had sharply reacted to the statement made by transport minister R Ashok on nationalisation of private buss routes in Daxina Kannada district and introduce Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus service in the city and the undivided Dakshina Kannada district had warned that the Association would never allow any such move by the government.

Severe agitational steps would be forced to taken up if the minister failed to withdraw his decision, Mr Ivan D' Souza, the president of the Association here.

He said that there was no need for government buses in the city as private buses provided good service to the people of undivided district since several decades.

Such a decision by the government would harm the livelihood of nearly 3,500 workers in the private bus transport sector, he cautioned.

UNI MA SIV GM1855