DTC bus marshals take to the streets over non-payment of dues

A significant number of Civil Defence Volunteers, deployed as bus marshals for the Delhi Transport Corporation, on Tuesday staged a protest by blocking a stretch of road between ISBT Kashmere Gate and Tis Hazari court. The volunteers, who were demanding the payment of their pending dues, caused disruptions that prompted a heavy deployment of police forces to maintain law and order, as stated by a senior Delhi Police official.

During the demonstration, the protesters, consisting of several Civil Defence Volunteers, obstructed a road leading to Tis Hazari near Kashmere Gate. The protest occurred without the presence of any union leaders representing the volunteers. Authorities urged the demonstrators to vacate the road promptly to prevent traffic chaos.

Delhi Traffic Police, acknowledging the disruption, advised commuters to steer clear of the affected stretch. In a statement, they announced, “Traffic is affected on Lala Hardev Sahai Marg in the carriageway from ISBT, Kashmere Gate towards Tis Hazari due to the demonstration. Traffic police advised the commuters to avoid the stretch.”

A member of the protesting union highlighted the dire financial situation faced by the Civil Defence Volunteers, emphasizing that they have not received payment for four months. The absence of income has put a strain on their families, raising concerns about their survival. The protesters had initially intended to encircle the LG House as a symbolic act of registering their grievances. Furthermore, there were rumors circulating among the volunteers that their jobs might be in jeopardy, adding to the already tense atmosphere.

(With PTI inputs)