A public holiday has been declared by Bengaluru schools that rely significantly on private school buses and vans (representative image)
An email has been sent to parents informing them that schools will be closed on Monday following the private transport associations’ decision to strike
A private transport strike in Bengaluru on Monday, September 11 is becoming increasingly likely due to a lack of agreement between the Karnataka government and the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association. This is likely to disrupt many residents’ daily commutes to work, the airport and schools. Auto-rickshaws, taxis and school buses are among the several private transport services expected to be affected by Monday’s upcoming strike in Bengaluru.
While a few schools have declared a public holiday in response to the strike, the vast majority have yet to do so. According to reports, several schools in the city have decided to give students a day off on September 11 due to the strike and rescheduling of exams. However, there is no formal confirmation of this information. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that parents and students contact their specific school for further information regarding closures and exam postponements.
An email has been sent to parents informing them that schools will be closed on Monday following the private transport associations’ decision to go on strike, according to a report by MoneyControl.
The Associated Managements of English Medium Schools offered their moral support for the cause in a statement to MoneyControl, saying that schools that rely significantly on private school buses and vans have declared a public holiday. The use of personal vehicles is often impractical due to congested roads leading to schools. Therefore, it has been noticed that many students depend on private vans to go to school.
The Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association is adamant about continuing the strike while staying off the roads. This strike was put together by 32 private transport unions, who submitted a list of 28 demands, including topics such as banning pedicabs and private buses. They are also pushing for the Shakti programme, which offers free bus travel to women on RTC buses, to be extended to private buses.
The Federation has planned a number of private car marches from various entry and exit points of the city, aiming to gather at Freedom Park on Monday afternoon. Multiple gatherings would cause significant traffic disruption throughout the city, so it is unlikely that the city traffic police will let them do this.
