Bhubaneswar: The private bus owners’ association in Odisha on Thursday withdrew its proposed statewide strike scheduled to begin on January 24, following discussions with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena and senior state government officials.
Confirming the decision, association secretary Debendra Sahu said the agitation was called off after the government assured steps to address the concerns raised by private operators.
“We have decided to withdraw the planned statewide strike from January 24 following discussions with the Chief Minister, Transport Minister and other senior officials,” Sahu said.
The association had earlier announced the strike in protest against the state government’s Mukhyamantri Bus Seva scheme, under which buses are being operated between blocks and district headquarters. Private operators had alleged that the scheme was adversely affecting their business.
Earlier on Wednesday, office-bearers of the association met State Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur at the State Transport Authority (STA) office in Cuttack. During the meeting, it was decided to form district-level committees to address issues related to route overlaps and operational concerns.
These committees will comprise the District Collector, Regional Transport Officer (RTO), OSRTC Divisional General Manager, and representatives of the private bus owners’ association, and will work towards resolving disputes at the local level.
Notably, around 14,000 private buses are currently operating across Odisha, forming a significant part of the state’s public transport network.
