Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (TU/CN)

Mangalore, Nov 18: The minorities, backward castes, and Dalits’ movement (AHINDA), on Tuesday November 18, expressed their opposition to the state government’s decision of nationalizing the bus routes in Dakshina Kannada district.

Muhammad Rafi, president, AHINDA, said that at least 30,000 labourers will lose their jobs if KSRTC buses start plying in the district. All of them belong to the minority, and backward castes, he said. The government has not considered the interests of the people, said Rafi. 

Urging transport minister R Ashok to reverse the decision, he said that the government has forgotten its genuine responsibilities. Instead of finding solutions to problems such as electricity, road, ration card, and drinking water, the state government putting an extra burden on its citizens, alleged Rafi. ‘The government has assured only 200 jobs to private bus employees. What will others do for their daily bread’, he questioned.

Comparing existing KSRTC and private bus services in the district, Rafi said that nationalizing the bus routes will be a big blow to the economy of the district. Vittal Bhandary Harekala, Shyama Rao Suvarna, Oswald Montero, and Harish N Uchil, were present at the press meet.