Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, May 31: Vishwas Amin, district Youth Congress president has condemned the increase in bus fare by the owner of private buses from June 1.

In his statement, Amin said, "People of all classes of society are under loss as many have lost jobs. The government has failed to take suitable action in this regard. In the midst of this critical situation, it is not right on the part of the private bus owners of the district to increase the bus fare. They could have pressurized the government and asked it to reduce tax on diesel or market price of fuel. In addition, the owners of private buses could have reduced the insurance amount and found out a solution for their issue."

"How fair it is to burden the general public with all the responsibility of a price hike by the government? It is not right on the part of the private bus owners to transfer their burden to the general public," he added.

"In addition, the private bus owners have cancelled the concession passes that were issued to the students as well as daily commuters. This will cause lots of difficulties for them. The district administration has not yet started operating the NARM buses which were implemented during the Congress rule owing to the pressure of private bus owners. These buses were giving passes at concessional rates to students and daily commuters.

"In this situation, daily wage labourers and people who earn Rs 5,000 to 10,000 per month have to shell their complete salary for transportation. Bus owners have increased the fare of the tickets. They have to increase the salary of their staff also. Government and district administration has to give suitable guidance with regards to the price of the ticket and cooperate with students and poorer section of the society. In addition, NARM buses have to be pressed into service. Otherwise, district Youth Congress will hold a fierce protest."