Among the key demands raised by the employees is the merger of the BEST budget with the budget of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The unions have also sought a one-time payment of pending legal dues to retired employees and the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations for the period between 2016 and 2026. They have demanded that the number of buses owned by BEST be increased to 6,000 and have called for salary revisions, pension benefits and the settlement of other pending dues.
In response to the strike, the administration invoked the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act, commonly known as MESMA. Under the provisions of the law, BEST employees have been prohibited from going on strike or taking mass leave. Authorities maintained that essential services must continue under all circumstances. Despite the restrictions, BEST buses were largely absent from Mumbai roads from early Friday morning, causing severe inconvenience to commuters.
Apart from operating bus services, the BEST undertaking is also responsible for electricity distribution in South Mumbai. Employees warned that if their demands are not addressed at the earliest, the disruption could extend beyond transport services and affect electricity supply as well.
The administration and Mumbai Police declared the strike illegal under the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act, 2023. Mumbai Police appealed to protesters to maintain peace and avoid any action that could disturb law and order.
BEST is regarded as Mumbai's second-largest public transport network after the suburban railway system. The undertaking supplies electricity to more than one million consumers in South Mumbai and provides bus services to nearly 2.5 million passengers every day. At present, BEST operates a fleet of around 2,700 buses, of which only 243 are owned by the undertaking itself, while the remaining buses are run through private contractors under the wet-lease model.
The indefinite strike has triggered concerns over the functioning of one of Mumbai's most critical public service networks, with fears that any escalation could impact both transportation and electricity supply for millions of residents.
About The Author
Comment List