Facing flak from the Opposition and the public over the hike in Roadways bus fares, Transport Minister Mool Chand Sharma on Sunday defended the State cabinet’s decisions, saying despite the hike, the fare of Roadways buses in Haryana would still remain cheaper than the neighbouring States –Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. The Congress and other opposition leaders are playing petty politics over it in the crisis time, he alleged.
The Transport Minister said that the inter-state bus services will not be operated till the situation becomes normal in the Country. Haryana Roadway buses will be operated at 50 per cent seating capacity of passengers in ‘Green zone’. No such buses will be operated in ‘Orange zone’ and ‘Red zone’ till further order.
In an interview with The Pioneer, over the phone, Sharma expressed his views on fare hike of Roadway buses as well as government’s steps to contain Covid outbreak particularly in his constituency: Excerpts from the interview:
The Central Government released a list classifying districts as hotspots or Red-Zones, Orange zones and Green zones. What do you have a plan to operate bus services in different designated zones of the State?
In Haryana, there are two ‘Red zones’, 18 ‘Orange zones’ and two ‘Green zones’. In ‘Green zone’, our Government has decided to operate Haryana Roadway buses at 50 per cent seating capacity of passengers. Roadways buses will be operated in Mahendragarh and Rewari districts which are designated as ‘Green zone’. No Buses will be operated in ‘Orange zone’ and ‘Red zone. In the neighbouring States like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, New Delhi and Rajasthan, at present the cases of Covid-19 are being reported on daily basis. Considering this, our government has decided not to operate Inter-state Roadway buses unless situation improves across the Country.
In the ongoing nationwide lockdown, large numbers of people have lost their earnings. In place of facilitating them, your Government has decided to hike the bus fare by 15 paise per km. What's the reason?
It is a minor increase in transport fare. Transport fares have not been hiked over the last many years. The bus fare in Haryana was last revised on June 30, 2016. Since then, the operational expenditure has increased substantially, especially on account of expenditure towards staff, diesel, spare parts, tyre-tubes, lubricants, bus chassis, fabrication cost and insurance. Considering all aspects, the State cabinet decided to increase bus fare for ordinary, luxury and super-luxury buses. Even though, despite the hike, the bus fares in the State are cheaper than other states.
Being a Minister, have you estimated revenue loss in the Transport department since the enforcement of lockdown? Whether department employees are being paid their salary on time?
Public transport is off the roads due to a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of Corona virus. The operation of all Roadways buses has been suspended. Transport department has suffered a huge revenue loss. Department officers are working on it. Meanwhile, as of now, there is no problem giving salary to employees.
Leader of opposition Bhupinder Hooda Hooda termed the decision of the State Government to increase the cess on petrol-diesel and bus fares anti-people. What would you say?
There is no need to create hue and cry by the opposition leaders over this issue at a time when State government is fighting against Covid-19 epidemic. This is not a time to do petty politics. Congress leaders should understand that despite fare hike, the bus fare in Haryana is cheaper than Congress ruled States of Punjab and Rajasthan. He should ask Punjab and Rajasthan Governments to reduce bus fare there.
Faridabad emerged as the new hotspot district of Haryana with 68 Covid-19 positive cases. How are you monitoring the situation in your constituency?
My constituency Ballabhgarh comes in Faridabad district. Cases in Faridabad spiked due to public movement with neighbouring State New Delhi. As of now, Faridabad has reported with 68 Covid cases has been designated as ‘Red zone’ along with Sonepat. To ensure the successful implementation of lockdown several strict steps have been taken to control and stop the movement of people and for this, Inter and Intra State borders have been sealed. Along with this, our Government has ensured the delivery of all the essential goods and services to the doorstep. Rations and food pockets distributed among needy persons.
Large number of small and big industries has been set up in your constituency. What are industrialists’ demands?
Some local businessmen met and we informed them about the measures taken by our government for their welfare. We also appeal them to follow the government’s guidelines regarding opening of their business.
How many stranded students have been brought back in Haryana from Rajasthan?
Some parents had approached us and expressed their concerns. Considering all aspects, we had sent 31 State Transport buses to bring back over 800 stranded students who are preparing for various competitive examinations, from Kota. Most of them have reached their home.
Large numbers of migrant workers still want to go back their native places. Whether they would be sent back to their native places by special trains or Haryana Roadways Buses?
Large number of migrant workers of neighbouring States were sent back to their native places in the Haryana Roadways buses. No final decision has been taken so far but whatsoever decisions being taken by the Centre and State governments regarding this issue will be implemented.
