10% hike in bus fare for damaging ST buses: Minister

Yavatmal: As a punitive measure the transport ministry is proposing a 10% hike in fare for 100km distance where ST buses are damaged by unruly mobs. Transport minister Diwakarrao Raote declared this at Yavatmal after inspecting the damages caused to five ST buses by a youth having no allegiance to the pro-Vidarbha statehood movement on Sunday.
The cops have arrested the youth after registering an offence under various sections of the IPC.However, the incident is being seen as outcome of the security lapse by police and local ST authorities.
Shiv Sena’s Raote, further said that his party won’t allow formation of separate state of Vidarbha at any cost. “By damaging the ST buses, you won’t get separate Vidarbha,” he said, adding, “Those who damage ST buses and other properties, should be dealt with seriously.”