Scores of Bus Marshals in Delhi Protest Over Four-Month Salary Delay

Bus marshals deployed by the Delhi government staged protests at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence, demanding payment of salaries pending for the last four months. The protesters also gathered outside the residences of other ministers till late evening. Despite orders from the revenue minister, they have not received their wages due to a recent amendment act affecting control over services in the national capital.

In a recent development in New Delhi, numerous bus marshals employed by the Delhi government held protests at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence and the Secretariat building on Monday. The reason behind their agitation was the non-payment of salaries for the past four months. This incident brought attention to an issue that has been brewing under the surface for some time now.

Protests and Demands

The protestors included male as well as female bus marshals who also demonstrated outside Delhi Revenue and Finance Minister Atishi's residence till late evening. They were adamant about not moving from their protesting spots until they received assurance about payment of their pending salaries. "We will not move from here unless we are guaranteed payment of our salaries," stated Aditya, one of the bus marshals involved in this protest.

Government Response

The Delhi government released a statement addressing this issue. It highlighted that despite orders from the revenue minister, these bus marshals along with civil defence volunteers have not yet received their due wages. The cause behind this delay was attributed to complications arising out of Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Amendment Act-2023 pertaining to control over services in the national capital.

Implications Of GNCTD Amendment Act 2023

The GNCTD Amendment Act 2023 is instrumental in vesting control over bureaucracy in central hands and aims at establishing an authority responsible for transfer and posting of Group-A officers. This act had received presidential assent on August 12th but it seems like its implementation has led to certain unforeseen issues such as delayed wage payments.

Affectees Of The Situation

This situation adversely affects more than just these protesting individuals; it impacts over 13,000 civil defence volunteers and home guards working under the Delhi government. These personnel have been assigned to DTC and Cluster buses with a primary objective of ensuring passenger safety, especially that of women. This ongoing wage issue could potentially jeopardize their motivation and commitment towards their duty.

In conclusion, while the GNCTD Amendment Act 2023 might have been instituted with an aim to streamline bureaucracy in the national capital, it appears to be causing some unintended consequences such as this salary dispute. The situation demands immediate attention and resolution not only for these protesting bus marshals but also for thousands of other civil defence volunteers and home guards who are integral to maintaining public safety on Delhi’s public transportation system. It is hoped that swift action will be taken by the concerned authorities to resolve this matter so that these crucial staff members can return to their duties without financial worries.