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Bengal Hikes Bus Rental Rates for Election Duty After Owner Protests

The West Bengal Transport Department has formally notified the Election Commission of revised, higher rental rates for buses to be used in election duty. This follows protests from private bus owners who refused to provide vehicles, citing rates significantly lower than those in other states. The owners had demanded a 10% increase to cover both bus rental and daily allowances for crew members. The updated rate list was submitted by the department's Principal Secretary to the state's Chief Electoral Officer.

Key Points: West Bengal Revises Bus Rental Rates for Election Commission

  • Revised rates formally notified to EC
  • Rates were historically lower than other states
  • Private owners threatened to withhold vehicles
  • Increase covers bus rental and crew allowances
2 min read

Bengal Transport Dept notifies EC of revised bus rates for election duty

West Bengal Transport Dept notifies EC of increased bus rental rates for polls after private owners threatened to withhold vehicles over low fees.

"We have demanded a 10 per cent increase to cover both the bus rental charges and the daily allowances for the crew members. - Rahul Chatterjee"

Kolkata, March 23

The Transport Department has formally notified the Election Commission of the revised rental rates for buses and vehicles to be requisitioned for the elections.

Soumitra Mohan, Principal Secretary of the Transport Department, submitted the updated rate list to the Election Commission on Monday, reflecting a significant increase compared to previous years. The letter was addressed to the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and detailed the vehicle rental rates along with ancillary terms and conditions.

The rates at which buses -- including those with lower passenger capacities -- are hired for election duties in other states are considerably higher than those in West Bengal.

As a result, owners of private route buses in the state had earlier indicated that they would refuse to provide their vehicles unless the higher rates were met -- a stance that placed the Transport Department in a difficult position.

The Election Commission had repeatedly sought updates from the Transport Department regarding the availability of vehicles. Meanwhile, private bus owners remained firm in their position that they would not release their vehicles unless the rental rates were increased. Following a series of meetings, the Transport Department has now formally communicated the revised rental rates to the Chief Electoral Officer through a written letter.

Rahul Chatterjee, General Secretary of the All Bengal Bus-Minibus Coordination Committee, said that buses and vehicles are requisitioned for election duties every year; however, the rental rates offered in West Bengal have historically been significantly lower than those in other states. Earlier, the rental rate for a bus stood at Rs 2,530, with each crew member receiving an allowance of Rs 250.

In this context, he said: "We have demanded a 10 per cent increase to cover both the bus rental charges and the daily allowances for the crew members. We had earlier apprised the Transport Department of this matter in October last year. We have now formally submitted this appeal to the Election Commission."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
Good move, but I hope this doesn't lead to a last-minute scramble and shortage of vehicles. The EC should have finalized this months ago. Every election we see these logistical issues. Planning needs to be better.
A
Arjun K
As a taxpayer, I just want to know one thing: who ultimately pays for this increase? Is it coming from the state exchequer or central funds? Transparency in election expenditure is crucial.
P
Priyanka N
The crew allowance of Rs 250 was shockingly low. These drivers and conductors are away from their families for days during election duty. A 10% increase seems reasonable, not extravagant. Their hard work ensures our democratic process runs smoothly.
D
David E
Interesting to see the coordination committee had to apply pressure. It highlights how essential services often rely on the bargaining power of unions. Hopefully, the revised rates are implemented smoothly without affecting commuters' regular bus services.
K
Karthik V
While I support fair compensation, the timing is typical. Everything gets resolved at the eleventh hour after creating unnecessary tension. The Transport Dept should have proactively revised the rates based on inflation and comparisons with other states. This last-minute drama helps no one.

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