Editor
Guwahati, Assam: In a significant development, the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) has announced that its buses will cease operations across the state from June 1 as employees stage a protest against alleged unfair recruitment practices. The decision comes following the termination of 771 employees who are accused of securing their positions through illicit means.
ASTC employees have declared a strike at every bus station in Assam, demanding justice and the reinstatement of the terminated employees. The ASTC management's decision to relieve the 771 individuals from their duties triggered outrage among the workforce, leading to the state-wide protest.
According to sources, during the tenures of Anand Prakash Tiwari and Khagendra Nath Chetia as Managing Directors, it is alleged that 2,274 employees were hired without following the proper procedure or adhering to the system of reservation. Reports indicate that no interviews were conducted during their recruitment.
The controversy surrounding the recruitment process has prompted an official inquiry, as the government intends to investigate the allegations of irregularities. A notice released by the authorities states, "In respect of engagement of contractual staff, it has been alleged that the entire 2,274 staff were recruited without following the due procedure or following the system of reservation nor any interviews were held. The same is to be enquired into, and if found to be true, Show Cause notices will be issued to the then Managing Director of ASTC for flouting government norms. Departmental proceedings will be initiated against such individuals."
To address the issue, the Transport Department will thoroughly evaluate the current contractual staff of ASTC. Following the assessment, appropriate measures will be taken to retain only essential and legally appointed employees, while releasing others immediately thereafter. This process is expected to be completed within the next 60 days, as per official instructions.
Meanwhile, commuters in Assam are likely to face severe inconvenience due to the suspension of ASTC bus services. The strike by ASTC employees will impact daily commuters, especially those dependent on public transportation for their livelihoods.
The ASTC management and the state government are expected to engage in discussions with the striking employees to resolve the issue at the earliest and resume normal bus operations, ensuring the welfare of both the workers and the public.