The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Delhi government’s bold move to address the demands of DTC employees has drawn praise from the DTC Employees Unity Union, which extended heartfelt thanks to AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Atishi. By increasing salaries and ensuring better working conditions, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to standing with workers, solidifying its position as a pro-employee administration.
Promising change, the AAP-led government approved proposals ensuring better pay and support for 20,000 DTC employees. Now, drivers will get a salary of Rs 32,918 and conductors will get Rs 29,250 per month. They will also be posted on duty at nearby bus stands and CNG bus drivers will be trained to drive electric buses. Members of the DTC Workers’ Unity Union were also present in the press conference.
Senior AAP leader Kuldeep Kumar stated that in Delhi, the DTC buses, which are the lifeline of the city and play a major role in its transportation system, carry millions of people daily between their homes and workplaces. Recently, on 13th November, the drivers and conductors of these buses went on strike to demand some legitimate rights.
He added that the strike was led by members of the DTC Workers’ Unity Union. During this time, they met me and informed me about the issues faced by DTC employees, particularly those working on a contractual basis, such as conductors and drivers.
The senior AAP leader emphasised, “We immediately brought these issues to the attention of our leader Arvind Kejriwal, who quickly directed Chief Minister Atishi to listen to all the concerns raised by the union. These employees, who come from different parts of Delhi, often face challenges due to transfers and postings. This was one of their major demands.”
He further emphasised that after discussing these issues, we acknowledged that their demands were justified and needed to be addressed. I am happy to share that the government promptly issued orders to ensure that employees are transferred to depots closer to their homes. Same will happen with women stationed at the Pink Depot, as they demanded.
Highlighting another demand of the Union, he said, “A significant demand was about the transition from CNG buses to electric buses. The drivers of CNG buses were concerned about their job security. Addressing this concern, the Chief Minister immediately issued orders to start training programs for these drivers, ensuring that their jobs are preserved.”
Senior AAP leader Kuldeep Kumar added that one of the most crucial demands of the DTC employees was regarding their salaries. Many contractual employees had been working without receiving basic DA (Dearness Allowance) or grade pay.
“I am pleased to inform you that today, under the leadership of Chief Minister Atishi and Arvind Kejriwal, the proposal for which all the union members have been fighting for a long time has finally been approved. Being the Chairman of DTC Board, she has passed the file and sent it to the LG. I am confident that soon the basic pay grade for them will be implemented. This will ensure that Delhi’s 20,000 DTC drivers and conductors receive their salaries on time,” he added.
Kuldeep Kumar stated that additionally, the salary of conductors who were previously earning around Rs 22,000, will now increase to Rs 29,250, and drivers’ salary will increase to Rs 32,918
He concluded by saying, “Soon, these workers’ households will also see happiness as they receive better salaries. While the entire country is grappling with inflation, AAP-lef Delhi Government has taken steps to fight this issue. This is a victory for the long struggle of all employees.”
Meanwhile, the president of the DTC Karamchari Ekta Union, Lalit Chaudhary, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the AAP-led Delhi government, Chief Minister Atishi, and MLA Kuldeep Kumar, who supported this significant demand of the employees. He said, “I want to say to all DTC colleagues that since the government has placed its trust in us, we should also trust the government.”
He emphasised, “Today, our demand has been approved, and it will soon be implemented. I urge all employees to avoid negativity because the government is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us for the welfare of employees. The government has assured us that they will do whatever is in their power as quickly as possible. Some actions have already been taken.”
Meanwhile, another member of the Union, Valmiki Jha stated that MLA Kuldeep Kumar played a vital role in positively conveying our demands to the government. Earlier, we had heard about the struggles of many employees, but their voices didn’t reach the government. Because of the support of Kudleep Kumar our voices reached Arvind Kejriwal and CM Atishi.
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