New Delhi: Transport minister Pankaj Kumar Singh Friday held a meeting with operators to review issues concerning contractual bus drivers engaged through concessionaires for Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).Govt has asked bus operators to examine a series of welfare measures for these contractual drivers, including health and accident insurance, four rest days a month, and a formal framework for performance-linked incentives.The meeting comes after an agitation by contractual drivers over wages and service conditions has disrupted bus services across the city this month. DTC drivers engaged through contractors began their agitation on Sept 15. They have cited the increased daily wage for regular drivers and sought higher pay as well as medical cover, paid holidays, bonuses and other social-security benefits.Among the measures discussed in the meeting were health insurance for contractual drivers and their families, accident insurance or compensation, weekly rest, timely issuance of salary slips and joining or appointment letters, and a written policy governing performance-linked incentives.Operators were asked to examine whether drivers could be provided four rest days every month while ensuring that adequate manpower remained available to maintain operations. Govt also discussed the possibility of evolving a common framework for health and accident insurance. Operators were asked to ensure that salary slips and joining or appointment letters are issued on time. A written framework for performance-linked incentives was also discussed.The protest has affected bus operations for over 10 days now, with union members saying that their protest would continue until their wage hike demand is met.
