WORK at the city’s Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) could be affected starting Monday as the Motor Vehicle Department Employees Union, Maharashtra State (a recognised body) has announced that it will launch an indefinite chain hunger strike on October 27, at the office of the transport commissioner to protest against the administration’s continued neglect of their long-pending demands.
According to the union’s general secretary Surendra Saratape, the decision follows the administration’s failure to implement assurances repeatedly given by senior officials and the transport minister. “The main demand concerns the retrospective implementation of the approved departmental structure and promotions to all vacant posts. The union stated that despite maintaining restraint for the past three years, the department has not conducted a single round of promotions. Over 70 employees have retired without promotion, and the promised in-service progression scheme has remained inactive,” Sartape told mid-day.com.
Union leader Vishwas Katkar had met officials from the transport commissioner’s office who had assured that all promotion orders would be issued by September 30, but no action was taken. Even after a meeting chaired by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, where the administration promised to resolve the matter within a week, there has been no progress. Terming this as defiance of the minister’s directives, the union said it has no choice but to proceed with the planned agitation.
“Since the administration has ignored both ministerial instructions and employee grievances, the indefinite chain hunger strike from October 27 is now inevitable,” Sartape added.
Last year, the union had organised a historic three-day protest (October 24-26, 2024), compelling the administration to withdraw controversial inter-departmental transfers. Following that protest, the then transport commissioner assured that service entry rules would be finalised within a month and that all promotions and pending demands would be settled. However, the union alleges that not a single commitment has been fulfilled in the twelve months since.
Union leaders also highlighted the human cost of the delay. Over the past three years, 70 employees have retired without receiving a single promotion, while others continue to serve without clarity on their career progression. The Assured Career Progression (ACP) scheme, which was meant to guarantee steady growth, remains completely stalled.
“We are not against the administration’s process or reforms,” said Katkar. “Our fight is only against the unnecessary bureaucratic delays that deprive employees of their rightful dues. We expect accountability and timely implementation of the commitments made in writing.”
The union said that the hunger strike will continue indefinitely until written orders for promotions and implementation of the departmental structure are issued. It has also appealed to the chief minister and the transport minister to urgently intervene to avoid further escalation of the agitation.
“This is not a political protest. It is a struggle for justice, dignity, and fair treatment of employees who have kept Maharashtra’s transport system running efficiently despite staff shortages and administrative apathy,” Sartape added.
