GUWAHATI: The United Upper Assam Bus Owners' Association (UUABOA) expressed its dissatisfaction with the state government's failure to settle outstanding dues amounting to a whopping ₹60 lakh, according to media reports.
The association on Tuesday declared that it would cease providing buses for any government programs, including those related to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, citing financial strain on its members.
Addressing the media at the Greater Dibrugarh Press Club, the association outlined instances where the government had not fulfilled its financial commitments. The pending bills, accrued during various programs such as Orunodoi 2.0, Assam microfinance incentive and relief scheme, and the 2021 state assembly elections, have reportedly burdened the bus owners, impacting both operational costs and the well-being of their employees.
During Orunodoi 2.0, held on October 12, 2023, the association provided 210 buses to transport beneficiaries to Mancotta playground in Dibrugarh, incurring a total cost of ₹24.68 lakh. However, the government allegedly disbursed only ₹12.34 lakh, leaving a significant balance.
Similarly, for the Assam microfinance incentive and relief scheme program on October 16, 2023, where 438 buses were supplied for ₹68.55 lakh, the association reportedly received only 50% of the bill, amounting to ₹34.5 lakh. The association emphasised the outstanding dues for providing 53 buses on April 10, 2023, to transport Bihu dancers from Dibrugarh to Guwahati for a mega Bihu dance event held at Sarusajai Sports Complex.
