Bus services disrupted as strike by DTC drivers enters Day 2, protest to continue

Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus drivers and conductors went on strike for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, demanding higher wages. The DTC Karamchari Ekta Union, representing the affected workers, stated that the current daily wage of Rs 862 is akin to that for daily-wage laborers. The union questioned whether this wage amount, paid to licensed and qualified drivers and conductors operating large buses in a densely populated city, constituted bonded labor.

The union's demands include a minimum daily wage of Rs 2,000, payment for government holidays, an annual bonus, and social security, including a medical scheme. Transport Minister Pankaj Singh directed private concessioners to address the drivers' issues immediately, urging them to call off the strike. Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) increased 20 train trips per day to accommodate passengers affected by the bus strike, with additional trains operating between 8 am and 8 pm.