Chandigarh, November 29, 2025: Amid escalating protests by contractual employees of state-owned road transport services in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made a direct appeal on Saturday for workers to return to their duties and engage with the government through dialogue. The appeal comes in the wake of a series of dramatic incidents during the ongoing strike, including threats of self-immolation by employees and injuries to police personnel attempting to control the situation. The CM emphasized that the state government was committed to resolving the grievances of the workers while ensuring uninterrupted public transport services for the citizens of Punjab.

Background of the Strike

The strike involves contractual employees of Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and the Punjab State Road Transport Corporation (PRTC). Workers have accused the state government of neglecting their long-standing demands, particularly concerning job regularisation, salary discrepancies, and what they claim is a gradual move toward “systematic privatisation” of the state transport sector. Tensions escalated following the opening of tenders under the controversial kilometre-based bus scheme, which the employees opposed vehemently. Prior to the strike, many union leaders were detained by police, adding to the unrest and prompting clashes at multiple locations across the state.

The strike, which began on Friday, has led to widespread disruption in bus services throughout Punjab. Commuters have faced difficulties in several districts, while the protestors have vowed to continue the strike until their demands are addressed and detained employees are released.

Escalation of Tensions

A particularly alarming incident occurred in Sangrur, where a protesting contractual employee reportedly attempted self-immolation by pouring petrol on himself. During the effort to stop him, a police officer sustained burn injuries and had to be rushed to hospital. The dramatic footage of the incident quickly circulated on social media, drawing widespread attention to the intensity of the protests.

In Patiala, police intervened to disperse crowds using mild force. Protesters alleged that during the dispersal, their turbans were forcibly removed and some of their clothing was torn, prompting further outrage. Such incidents have highlighted the tense standoff between the protesting employees and law enforcement agencies, raising concerns about safety and the potential for further escalation if dialogue is not restored promptly.

Chief Minister’s Response

Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann acknowledged the problems faced by the contractual employees, affirming that the government was making sincere efforts to address their concerns. Mann urged the striking employees to return to work and emphasized that ongoing protests should not inconvenience the public relying on state-run bus services.

“We understand the genuine concerns of our contractual employees and are continuously working to address them,” Mann said. “However, we appeal to them to engage in dialogue rather than disruptive actions that affect commuters and the general public.”

The CM further highlighted that the state government planned to introduce 900 new buses to expand transport services and ease public inconvenience. Mann’s visit to the Kurali bus stand on Saturday was part of his effort to assess the impact of the strike on daily commuters, and he instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Rupnagar to increase the number of routes for both local and long-distance buses.

Government’s Position and Measures

The Punjab government has repeatedly stressed that it seeks a constructive resolution to the ongoing strike. Officials have maintained that discussions with employee representatives remain open, and negotiations are underway to find mutually agreeable solutions regarding contract terms, regularisation, and other demands.

At the same time, the administration has emphasized law and order, with police personnel deployed across key areas to prevent the protests from escalating into violence. The state’s transport services, despite being disrupted, are being partially maintained through alternative arrangements and emergency planning.

Broader Implications of the Strike

The ongoing strike reflects deeper structural and administrative issues within the state transport sector. Contractual employment has been a long-standing concern, with employees citing job insecurity, inadequate pay, and inconsistent benefits. The employees’ demands for regularisation and protection against privatisation reflect widespread apprehension about employment stability in the sector.

Transport analysts suggest that prolonged disruption could have cascading effects on public mobility, especially for students, daily wage earners, and other regular commuters who depend heavily on government-operated buses. The strike also places additional pressure on the state administration to balance the legitimate grievances of employees with the need to ensure public services remain functional.

Political and Social Dimensions

The strike and the related incidents have also drawn political attention. Opposition parties have criticized the government for failing to address employee concerns in a timely manner, while supporters of the administration argue that Mann’s government has shown proactive measures to restore dialogue and maintain public order.

Meanwhile, social media has played a crucial role in amplifying the events, with videos of clashes, the self-immolation attempt, and disruptions circulating widely. The visual coverage has intensified public scrutiny of the government’s response and the handling of law and order during protests.

CM’s Broader Governance Remarks

In addition to addressing the strike, Chief Minister Mann also spoke about the broader law and order situation in Punjab, particularly concerning criminal elements. He issued a stern warning to gangsters and those attempting to disrupt public peace, stating that such activities would not be tolerated under any circumstances. Mann reiterated that the government’s priority is to maintain communal harmony, public safety, and the overall social fabric of the state.

“If any gangster harms a resident or commits any crime, they should understand clearly that they will face a befitting response,” Mann said. “The state government has a zero-tolerance policy for criminal activities, and peace, amity, and harmony will be preserved at all costs.”

Path Forward

The Punjab government’s strategy to address the strike appears to be a combination of negotiation and contingency planning. While dialogue remains the preferred route for resolving disputes, authorities are also taking steps to ensure that essential services are minimally impacted. The introduction of new buses, temporary route expansions, and police supervision are all aimed at mitigating public inconvenience during this period of unrest.

Experts on industrial relations note that long-term resolution will require systemic reforms, including structured pathways for the regularisation of contractual employees, clear communication channels, and a transparent framework for employment conditions. The strike, while immediately disruptive, could serve as a catalyst for broader reforms in Punjab’s transport sector if managed effectively through negotiation and policy intervention.

Conclusion

As Punjab grapples with the ongoing strike by contractual roadways employees, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s call for dialogue and return to work underscores the administration’s dual focus on addressing legitimate employee concerns while safeguarding public interest. The dramatic incidents, including threats of self-immolation and clashes with police, have drawn widespread attention and highlight the urgency of a negotiated resolution.

With new buses planned, increased routes, and ongoing engagement with employee representatives, the government is signaling its willingness to resolve the crisis without compromising public service. At the same time, Mann’s firm stance on law and order reflects the administration’s broader commitment to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the state, even amid periods of social unrest.

The situation remains fluid, and both the government and the striking employees face the challenge of finding a path that ensures both justice for workers and continuity of essential transport services for the people of Punjab.