Delhi govt urges LG to make 10,000 bus marshals permanent

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced on Monday that the government will propose a policy to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to retain 10,000 bus marshals on a permanent basis.

During a press conference, Atishi highlighted an increase in crimes against women on public buses following the removal of bus marshals. She shared that, in a meeting with all ministers on Sunday, the Transport Commissioner indicated that decisions regarding the marshals’ reinstatement fall under the Lieutenant Governor’s authority as it concerns service matters.

The Delhi government is therefore advancing with an interim “as-is, where-is” proposal while waiting on a policy from the LG, she stated. “We are dedicated to ensuring public safety and will allocate the necessary funds for marshals’ salaries,” Atishi affirmed.

However, Atishi voiced concern that the LG might take considerable time to reach a permanent solution. Delhi Health and Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, who joined her at the conference, also criticized the LG’s handling of the matter, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Bharadwaj noted that the transport officer assigned by the LG has categorized the issue as a “reserved” subject, restricting the state’s ability to act swiftly. “Given the LG’s history, we foresee delays in establishing a permanent policy, so we are advocating for an immediate ‘as-is, where-is’ solution to reinstate the marshals,” he remarked.

The withdrawal of over 10,000 civil defence volunteers acting as bus marshals was triggered by an objection from the Directorate of Civil Defence, which argued that these volunteers were originally assigned for disaster management rather than public transport security.

(With inputs from PTI)