DTC issues notices to employees for flouting ESMA

Delhi Transport Corporation has issued <g data-gr-id="33">showcause</g> notices to several of its employees for continuing with their strike to protest the death of a driver in a road rage incident even after the government imposed Essential Services and Maintenance Act (ESMA).

The notice issued by different DTC bus depot managers to drivers and conductors has sought reply on why disciplinary action should not be taken against them. The DTC has asked them to file explanation within 24 hours of receiving the notice.

“The notices have been sent to drivers and conductors who did not come to work despite government imposing ESMA,” said a senior government official.

42-year-old DTC driver Ashok Kumar was on May 10, beaten to death by a youth after his bus grazed the latter’s bike in West Delhi’s Mundaka area. The government action came after people across the city faced a tough time commuting in the absence of DTC buses. The DTC drivers are demanding a compensation of Rs one crore to <g data-gr-id="36">family</g> of driver Ashok Kumar (42), who was beaten to death. 

“This is no more a strike but a <g data-gr-id="32">shok</g>-sabha (condolence meet). We will not cremate the body of Ashok till <g data-gr-id="34">government</g> agrees to meet our demand,” Satya Narayan, the brother of deceased had said, demanding security for DTC drivers. 

He had further said: “The government should pay Rs one crore as compensation and a government job to one of the family members. Ashok had 18 years of service left, so government should pay his full salary of 18 years.” 

They had later called off their strike on May 12 after the Delhi government announced that it will accept their demand of extending help to the family of the deceased driver.