The Transport Department has officially informed the Election Commission about the updated rental rates for buses and vehicles to be used during the elections. Soumitra Mohan, the Principal Secretary of the Transport Department, presented the revised rate list to the Election Commission, showing a significant increase from previous years. The letter, directed to the state Chief Electoral Officer, outlined the rental rates for vehicles and their accompanying terms and conditions.
In comparison to other states, the rates for hiring buses, even those with lower passenger capacities, for election purposes are notably higher. Private route bus owners in West Bengal had previously indicated their unwillingness to provide vehicles unless these increased rates were met, creating a challenging situation for the Transport Department. The Election Commission had been consistently requesting updates from the Transport Department on vehicle availability.
Despite the pressure, private bus owners stood firm on their decision not to release their vehicles until the rental rates were raised. After several discussions, the Transport Department has now formally conveyed the revised rates to the Chief Electoral Officer through a written correspondence. Rahul Chatterjee, the General Secretary of the All Bengal Bus-Minibus Coordination Committee, highlighted the historical disparity in rental rates between West Bengal and other states for vehicles used in election duties.
Chatterjee emphasized the need for a 10% increase to cover both the bus rental charges and the daily allowances for crew members. This demand was initially raised with the Transport Department in October last year and has now been officially submitted to the Election Commission.
