Surat : Road and Transport Minister Harsh Sanghvi on Friday resolved the pending issues of Gujarat ST Corporation employees amicably, following an hour-long marathon meeting with union leaders, the Finance Department and the Transport Department.
Addressing a press conference at the Circuit House in Athwalines, Surat, Sanghvi congratulated the employees on the outcome of the meeting and wished them a happy Diwali.
Sanghvi also warned some luxury bus operators who are taking advantage of the helplessness of the people and charging exorbitant fares during Diwali. He said that if the needs of citizens are taken advantage of, action will be taken against those responsible.
Many issues of Gujarat ST Corporation employees had been pending for a long time, prompting them to launch a fresh agitation. The government came into action when the employees, who were deprived of the benefits of the Seventh Pay Commission, started the struggle.
On Thursday, in a meeting between the state government and union leaders of ST Corporation, a proposal was passed that brought happiness to all concerned. On Friday, ST Corporation employees expressed their gratitude to the minister of state and the government by feeding them sweets.
In view of the Diwali festival, Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) will run 2200 additional buses from Surat from November 7 to November 11. This decision has been taken to ensure that people traveling from Surat to Saurashtra, Panchmahal, North Gujarat and Maharashtra do not face any problem. Passengers can book tickets online to avail this service. Additionally, the helpline number of ST Corporation will remain open 24 hours.
The GSRTC will also operate additional buses on the occasion of Diwali to other destinations in Gujarat and neighboring states.
