Two recently taken decisions provide for beacons of hope filtering through the otherwise murky darkness of things going desperately awry. One of the most controversial tools of democracy-that of pens down or strikes have been so badly used and dealt with as badly, if not worse were brilliantly side-stepped by the government. This is a change that was needed.
Public transport drivers get away with murder, in literal sense. If any member of their Union is arrested road-blocking parking ensures traffic cannot move. A couple of years ago, English medium school students went on to the streets to protest value added tax (VAT) imposed on their school fees. Exactly as feared, the children were negatively emulating what they saw around them. What they saw was senseless coverage dished out essentially by TV channels. Irresponsibility can't be the outcome of purpose of work stoppage. The magnificent gesture by The French media has made the significant gesture: Not to show disturbing images of violence, burning vehicles or the aftermath. It went a long way in reining in a spread of violence that had racial tones to it.
CNG-driven auto-rickshaws in this country went on a strike to protest the arrival of Pathao and Uber arguing they were hitting their income. That's true to a point. The CNG drivers seem to have overlooked that the growth of Uber and Pathao gave commuters the much needed safety and security assurance that has eroded in CNG travel. The government ignored the strike, commuters were inconvenienced but essentially supported the move of not giving in and the drivers went home sadder but wiser. Whether they embrace change and adapt or not is to be seen and painfully exposed once the metro rail kicks off.
The second instance is sad. Teachers on hunger strike to push for their demands for nationalisation of their schools and colleges. They have as a good a right as CNG drivers but it has been lazy government action that led to the mess evolving. Getting a license to operate educational institutions in the private sector is a good thing. What isn't is the news that teachers don't get paid in time and don't get other facilities. In next to no time there is the demand for nationalisation. Again, the government held back and the protest, as expected fizzled out.
The two incidents will leave two elements of society feeling left out and abandoned. It also told them that blackmail isn't something the government will give in to. One feels sorry for the CNG drivers. Hit by inflation and growing costs of essentials, they refuse to run on metered journeys. The strange part is that Uber provides more comfortable transportation but is anything but cheap. Pathao is favoured by the young generation especially college and university bound children. That's because motor cycles can drive along pavements, look for a momentary gap in traffic control and hurtle ahead. The Roads and Bridges Minister had said a while back that he would come down hard on CNGs not abiding by the fare rules. When it was pointed out there was nothing fair about traffic jams making CNGs unviable, he back-tracked in to silence. The sudden explosion of motor-cycle sales for both personal and commercial use has a lot to do with Pathao. It's an affordable commute and they're using the app to offer bonus and discounts. CNGs can't compete as they've not embraced technology.
In the two cases, some glaring realities have emerged. One is, those setting up schools and recruiting teachers are doing more of a disservice. It just isn't possible for governments to take over all schools or colleges. This is the biggest insult to those engaged in the noble profession getting salaries that are poor and worse not paid on time. It was sad to see them disappear in to the horizon, heads bowed.
Allowing Uber and Pathao services to operate increases the jams but many motor cyclists are adept in weaving through the worst of traffic and even violating traffic laws. There are just too many of them to catch. The existence of a variety of transport such as rickshaws, CNGs, trucks, lorries, cars, ambulances, motor cycles, rickshaw vans, covered vans and the dilapidated buses that are ready to collapse all on the same road is unique in the world and with no plans to limit movements of any of them and no clues to alleviate the snarls wastage continues: of fuel, time and more seriously sanity and wellbeing of individuals.
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