Karnataka private bus operators blame Shakti scheme, BMTC expansion for loss: Report
Bengaluru: Private bus operators in Karnataka have raised concerns over mounting financial losses, attributing the situation to the state government’s Shakti scheme, the expansion of the BMTC network, and the presence of illegal operators.
The Karnataka State Private Bus Owners’ Association submitted a memorandum to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, outlining these grievances, as reported by The New Indian Express on Wednesday.
Association President S. Nataraj Sharma warned that if the issues are not addressed within the next 10 days, bus owners would be compelled to launch statewide protests. According to the memorandum, the Shakti scheme, which provides free travel for women on state-run buses, has significantly reduced the number of fare-paying passengers for private operators.
The association further raised concerns about unfair competition arising from disparities in the All-India Tourist Permit system. They claim that private bus operators in Karnataka are paying substantially higher taxes compared to their counterparts in other states.
The memorandum highlighted that buses registered in states like Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, some allegedly operating without proper inspection or in violation of body codes, are entering Karnataka by paying an annual fee of just Rs 60,000, while local operators are charged between Rs 82,000 and Rs 1.58 lakh.
“This creates unhealthy and unfair competition. If clarity is not provided, our members may be forced to re-register vehicles in other states and re-enter Karnataka,” the memorandum stated.
The operators also expressed concerns about increased competition from subsidised electric buses, as well as the recent expansion of the BMTC’s jurisdiction from 25 km to 40 km beyond the city limits. The association argues that the expansion directly overlaps with areas that private operators have served for decades.
“BMTC’s expansion will eliminate the livelihood of private operators in Bengaluru’s periphery,” TNIE quoted Sharma as saying. He further pointed out that, unlike BMTC, private operators do not receive any subsidies, adding to the financial strain.
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Vijay unable to prove majority, not invited for CM oath ceremony: Sources
Chennai: Actor-politician Vijay has reportedly not been invited to take oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after failing to demonstrate support from the required number of MLAs, sources in Raj Bhavan said.
According to media reports that quoted sources in the office of R.N. Ravi Arlekar, Vijay could not prove the backing of 118 legislators, the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Despite last-minute efforts to secure support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazagam (AMMK), and an IUML legislator, Vijay reportedly managed support from only 116 MLAs, falling short by two members.
Sources said Vijay failed to submit letters of support from the VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Later, the IUML issued a statement clarifying that it was not part of the TVK-led alliance.
Meanwhile, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran is also said to have informed the Governor that his party would support the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) instead.
Earlier in the evening, Vijay had met Governor Arlekar and staked claim to form the government, stating that he enjoyed the support of 118 MLAs.
