13 July : A meeting was called by Secretary Education this afternoon and the Administration was represented by Home/Education/ Transport Secretary, DC, DPI, SSP, SP, STA and attended by Independent Schools Association Principals and Principal of other private schools.The Home Secretary apprised all in the meeting, the demands of the private transporters and after much deliberation it was resolved that the Independent Schools Association would negotiate and persuade the Bus Operators to call of the strike. The Administration confirmed that the road permit fee for 32 seater and 42 seater buses would remain the same i.e Rs. 620 for 5 years and for the 52 seater and above, a committee would be constituted comprising of 3 members from private transport union, 3 members from private schools and 3 members from the Administration. This committee would provide the recommendation within 30 days of formation.
At 3 pm Independent Schools Association had a meeting with the private schools bus operator headed by Mr. Manjit Singh Saini, President. After much discussion and persuasion the bus operators agreed to call of the strike with immediate effect. The buses would start operations from Tuesday the 14th of July.
By : H S Mamik , President ,Independent Schools Association