PRTC/Panbus Employees Stage Protest at Punjab Assembly; Government Fixes Oct 8 meeting to address demands
Ferozepur, September 29, 2025: Contractual employees of Punjab Roadways Panbus/PRTC marched to the Punjab Legislative Assembly today to protest the non-fulfillment of their longstanding demands. Resham Singh Gill, State President of the union, addressed the gathering, highlighting that the Chief Minister of Punjab had held a meeting on July 1, 2024, promising resolution of seven key demands within one month. However, more than a year has passed without any action.
The union criticized the government for failing to implement its election manifesto commitments, including ending the contract system and safeguarding employee rights. Samsher Singh Dhillo, State General Secretary, stated that instead of addressing demands, the government is privatizing departmental operations and mismanaging transport policies, resulting in severe losses and operational challenges, including a shortage of buses affecting over 100 passengers daily.
The union warned that if their seven demands are not met, they may call for an immediate statewide shutdown.
Observing the protest, State CM Meet President Harkesh Kumar Vicky confirmed that the government and senior transport officials have scheduled a crucial meeting on October 8, 2025 to address the demands. Following this assurance, the union leadership, with the consent of all employees, agreed to postpone further protest actions.
The protest highlighted widespread frustration among contractual employees over unresolved issues, including regularization, service rules, and bus shortages, and underscored the urgency of government intervention to ensure smooth functioning of public transport and employee welfare.