New Delhi: Delhi Assembly passed a resolution earlier this week to reinstate the jobs of bus marshals, bringing a sense of relief to the marshals who have been protesting for a long time. The decision came after a two-day special Assembly session held to address several ongoing issues in the national capital. However, the opposition accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party of wasting two valuable days that could have been used to make more productive decisions.
The first day of the session saw a heated debate between AAP and the opposition over the termination of around 10,000 civil defence volunteers serving as bus marshals in DTC and cluster buses. Despite the initial conflict, both sides eventually backed a resolution to restore their jobs.
During the session, a proposal was introduced by the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party, with support from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members, to reinstate the bus marshals in DTC and cluster buses, which was ultimately passed by the Delhi Assembly.
Delhi government ministers and AAP MLAs are set to stage a sit-in at the Delhi Lieutenant Governor’s (LG) office, demanding the reinstatement of bus marshals, with a firm stance that they will not back down until their demands are met. Health Minister of Delhi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, announced a full-scale effort to reinstate 10,000 bus marshals, warning that AAP and BJP MLAs, along with government ministers, will gather at the LG’s office on October 3, 2024, and remain there until decisive action is taken.
“There are three key stakeholders in this issue: the elected Delhi government and its ministers, the LG who oversees ‘Services,’ and the MLAs of the Delhi Assembly. I urge all MLAs and ministers to visit the LG’s office next week, as he is currently out of the country, though he hasn’t informed the media. I propose that all ministers, including the chief minister, along with all Assembly members, meet with the LG next week to resolve this issue,” the health minister stated.
Bharadwaj also emphasised that the ministers are ready to sign any necessary documents to overcome any obstacles.
“We will draft whatever is required, right in front of the LG, to make it clear who supports the bus marshals and who does not. I assure you that we will do everything possible to pass this resolution and will not leave the LG’s residence until it is done.”
Delhi Assembly passed a resolution stating that on the first day of Navratri, October 3, at 11 am, all BJP and AAP MLAs, along with Delhi Cabinet Ministers, will meet with the LG. The AAP government is fully committed to reinstating the jobs of bus marshals.
Abhishek Kumar, a bus marshal affected by the situation, stated that similar resolutions had been passed in the past with no outcome. However, he expressed hope that this time, if the LG gives approval, thousands of bus marshals like him could regain their jobs, receive their salaries, pay off their dues, and resume living happily. He also urged the government to assist those who have been without work during this period, as many families have been left without an earning member. He emphasised the need for support so they can survive and live with dignity.
Another bus marshal, Gulshan, shared his thoughts with the publication, saying that for the past year, they have been fighting for survival. Despite numerous protests and meetings with councillors, MLAs, ministers, and MPs, they have been left without resolution, even though the situation wasn’t their fault. He questioned how the government could suddenly dismiss all of them and expressed hope that this time, something positive will come out of it, allowing them to smile again.