The Bandh played on

On April 30th, Bangalore witnessed another bandh due to a strike called by national transport organizations.  Normal life is affected, as both the private and public sectors support the nation-wide strike.  Buses, auto rickshaws, cab services, lorries, trucks and school buses stay off the road to strike against some provisions of the Road Transport and Safety Bill.

The Bill proposed that the government transport authority could issue minimum safety standards for vehicles, roads and its users.  The Bill would put an end to the old practice of holding more than one driving license, implementing a points-based system for recording traffic violations for each license holder, recording offences for three years and suspension of licenses if the maximum point value was reached.  Fines for offences are also increased.  To a Canadian...sounds fine, pretty much what we have at home.

They protest because they are concerned about the State Road Transport being corporatized so small villages will not have services since it will not be profitable.  If a passenger dies, the driver has to pay Rs 1 lakh (approx. 100,000 rupees or $2,000 Canadian) and jailed for four years and potentially additional community service.  With the new rules, they feel they won't be able to live.  Drivers can make on average 4,000 to 15,000 Rs a month.

Apotex closed for the day.  The hotel issued a warning about the strike.  The State Police and the Armed Reserve Police are deployed to assist keeping the peace.  Gangs of picketers’ scour the city to find businesses that tried to stay open.  They will try to gain entry into the businesses to intimidate employees to go home and force people to participate in the bandh or the premises are vandalized.