The Delhi government recommended the LG to reinstate bus personnel.
The Delhi government has advised Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to immediately reinstate the bus enforcement personnel deployed for DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) bus security in the national capital. Highlighting the decision, the cabinet said the appointment of bus marshals will help provide a safe environment for passengers, especially women passengers. The government says these law enforcement officers play an important role in providing a safe environment for women on buses and their reinstatement could curb incidents of sexual harassment, crime and violence.
In his letter, the Chief Minister stressed the need for immediate attention on the issue and asked the Lieutenant Governor to look at the issue from a humanitarian perspective. The Delhi government is taking the issue seriously as women’s safety and is prioritizing the resumption of bus duties.
Cabinet stresses reinstatement of bus enforcement officers
The Delhi government cabinet unanimously recommended the Lieutenant Governor to immediately resume the deployment of bus enforcement personnel at DTCs and Delhi bus clusters. In a letter to the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister Atish mentioned that ensuring the safety of women on buses is the government’s main goal and the contribution of the bailiffs is very important to this end. The cabinet said that only the LG has the final say considering that the scheme, along with the services, is part of the law and order and has therefore been under the jurisdiction of the LG. However, the government asked LG to investigate the matter seriously and make a decision quickly.
Women’s safety takes historic step
The Delhi government believes that the deployment of crew members on DTC buses is a historic step that ensures the safety of passengers, especially women passengers. The government claims crime on buses has dropped due to the presence of law enforcement on buses. The contribution of bus officers has proven to be important in protecting women from harassment and other crimes. The government expressed hope that the lieutenant governor would allow the marshals to be reinstated and prioritize the safety of Delhi women.
Delhi government cabinet proposals
In his letter, Chief Minister Atish said that multiple directives have been issued to the department regarding the hiring of bus marshals, but as the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the Lieutenant Governor, only the local government can take a final decision on it. He has asked the Lieutenant Governor to look at the issue from a humanitarian perspective and take a decision as soon as possible. The Delhi government’s intention is to return bus personnel to work immediately by October 31, 2023, pending a new plan to reinstate bus duty personnel.
