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Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday said that the Aam Aadmi Party government in the city has imposed the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) staffers who went on strike, adding that it will start proceedings against those who do not return to work.
"The Delhi government has imposed ESMA in the city. We will start proceedings against whoever does not return to work. If they still persist on striking, they will be dismissed from service. First and foremost, we must provide the people of Delhi with its services; at the same time, it is our duty to provide support to their families," Rai told ANI.
"We have agreed to all the demands of the DTC union, but if they trouble the people of the city after being inspired by certain political elements, the government will not tolerate it. If needed, we will employ new drivers and new conductors," he added.
The minister further said that the Delhi government is sympathetic to the plight of the family of the DTC driver who was killed in a case of road rage, but warned that it was not an excuse for the union to create nuisance to the public.
"The Delhi government talked to the driver's family last night. The government has decided that the son will be provided with a job, will bear all expenses for the daughter's education and will bear all expenses for his wife's treatment. We are completely with them," he said.
"We are against those who cause troubles for the public," he added.
Earlier in the day, the AAP government imposed ESMA against the DTC staffers who went on strike. This move came after the DTC had earlier on Monday issued an advisory to its workers, asking them to call off their strike and return to work immediately.
The strike was called by the DTC union after a 42-year-old DTC driver died upon being thrashed by a motorcycle rider. Following the incident, the AAP government had said that it would provide Rs five lakh compensation to the victim's family. However, the DTC union expressed dissent over the compensation declared and called a strike for an indefinite period in protest.
