The Tamil Nadu government recently announced its decision to hire 400 contract drivers on a temporary basis in the transport sector. These drivers will operate buses on various routes from 12 workshops in cities like Chennai, Kumbakonam, and Trichy. They will be paid a minimum wage of Rs 533 per day, including 18% GST, and will be employed for a period of 12 months. Transport department officials have confirmed that the contract has been finalized, and the process of selecting drivers is underway.

The move to hire contract drivers has raised concerns about potential privatization of the transport sector. While only government buses were operating in Chennai until last month, the government issued a tender and allowed private companies to enter the market. Critics argue that the hiring of temporary workers instead of permanent staff is a form of exploitation and may lead to the appointment of unqualified drivers.

The government has awarded a contract to “Stalvard People Services” to recruit drivers on a contractual basis, and plans to hire drivers selected through the agency from the 15th of the month. The DMK governmen

t has announced that job appointments in the transport sector will be made through TNPSC, but various government bus drivers have strongly protested against the hiring of contract drivers without proper job appointments.

Overall, this decision highlights a growing trend towards temporary employment in the public sector, which is concerning for workers seeking long-term job security. However, it remains to be seen whether this move towards contract employment will have positive or negative consequences for the transport sector in Tamil Nadu. Click here to read in Tamil

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