Unmet Promises and Stagnant Salaries
Association president Chandan Kumar and vice-president Dheeraj Kumar Yadav highlighted the long-standing grievances of the drivers. “Drivers were hired at ₹25,000 per month three years ago, but have only received a meagre ₹750 hike since then. At recruitment, authorities promised postings within 10-15 kilometres of their homes, 20 days of annual leave, weekly off days, and insurance coverage. None of these assurances have been honoured,” their joint statement read.
They further alleged that even when leave is sanctioned, police stations fail to provide relief staff, forcing drivers to work without rest. Women drivers face additional hardships, with many compelled to complete 12-hour shifts, sometimes while carrying their young children.
The protest brought traffic to a standstill across major stretches of the city. Commuters faced long delays from Ramgulam Chowk to JP Golambar, one of Patna’s busiest corridors. Heavy police deployment was seen in areas like Gandhi Maidan and Dak Bungalow crossing to maintain order.
“Around three to four groups staged protests at different locations, but the situation was managed without any detentions. Protesters were dispersed peacefully,” said Akhilesh Mishra, SHO of Gandhi Maidan police station.
Growing Pressure on the State Government
The continuing strike has left Bihar’s emergency response system strained, raising concerns over public safety. With no resolution in sight, pressure is mounting on the state administration to engage in talks with the drivers’ association and address their demands.
Observers point out that emergency service drivers, many of whom are ex-servicemen, play a critical role in the state’s safety framework. Experts warn that prolonged unrest could severely affect law enforcement response times and erode public trust in emergency services.
The association has made it clear that until their demands for fair wages, proper leave policies, and insurance coverage are met, the protest will continue. This standoff highlights the growing tension between contractual workers and state agencies in India’s public safety sector.