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Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on December 26, 2024
Mumbai’s BEST workers’ union protests over BMC’s neglect, calls for revival steps
Among the key demands of Shiv Sena (UBT)-backed BEST Kamgar Sena include halting privatisation of BEST services, ending wet lease system for buses, procuring self-owned buses, recruiting new staff.
A silent protest was staged by workers of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) across Mumbai, demanding reforms and better support from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in light of the growing discontent with the cash-strapped public transport undertaking. (Photo Credit: BEST website)
A section of workers at Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) staged a silent protest across Mumbai by wearing black armbands on Thursday, to highlight their growing discontent with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) approach towards the cash-strapped public transport undertaking.
Workers affiliated to the Shiv Sena (UBT)-backed BEST Kamgar Sena staged the protest in depots of Mulund, Colaba, Oshiwara, Malwani, Malad, Bandra, and Poinsur to highlight the need for reviving the public transport system.
Their key demands include halting the privatisation of BEST services, ending the wet lease system for buses, procuring self-owned buses, recruiting new staff, and clearing pending gratuity and Covid-19 allowances for employees.
The union argued that these steps are important to revive BEST buses from financial loss, shrinking fleet, and rising accidents. The protest follows BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani’s reported statement that BEST does not come under the civic body’s responsibility.
However, Suhas Samant, president of BEST Kamgar Sena, hit back saying that BMC is BEST’s parent body and hence responsible for its condition. “The Commissioner speaks of cooperation, but responsibility means guardianship, not mere assistance,” Samant said on Thursday.
After the BEST bus accident on December 9 that killed eight people, Kamgar Sena representatives had demanded Gagrani for a more proactive approach and urged BMC to take full control of BEST operations instead of offering just financial aid.
“This is a fight for the survival of BEST. The current approach is unsustainable, and systemic reforms are urgently needed,” added Samant.
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On the other hand, the BMC has refuted allegations of neglecting BEST, stating it has provided Rs 11,232 crore financial aid over the last decade, including Rs 850 crore this year. It emphasized its continued support with plans for substantial provisions in the upcoming budget. The civic body also highlighted its recent grant of Rs 493 crore for electric bus procurement.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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