10K bus marshals to return as pollution sentinels, says Atishi

Chief Minister Atishi on Saturday approved a proposal to re-engage 10,000 civil defence volunteers (CDVs), who were removed as bus marshals last year, as pollution sentinels.

The deployment, which is set to begin within a week, follows months of protests and calls for their reinstatement after they were dismissed in October 2023.

BJP criticises delay in reinstatement

While we welcome the reinstatement, the fact remains that the Lieutenant-Governor’s order for reinstatement was effective from November 1, not November 11. Despite this, the Chief Minister has kept the Civil Defence personnel unemployed until now. — Virendra Sachdeva, Delhi BJP chief

Atishi, speaking at a press conference, emphasised the marshals’ crucial role in combating pollution.

“The marshals will play a key role in the battle against pollution over the next four months. They will be responsible for monitoring pollution hotspots, preventing open burning and addressing complaints related to pollution,” she said.

The CM also noted that the marshals would begin their duties within days and that the process of permanent reinstatement would be taken up with Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) VK Saxena. The appointment process will start on Monday.

These marshals, many from low-income families, had previously contributed significantly to improving safety on Delhi’s buses, protecting women, children and the elderly.

Highlighting the marshals’ impact, Atishi said, “In 2017-18, the Delhi Government deployed bus marshals to enhance the safety of women and children on DTC buses. These marshals have successfully prevented harassment, thwarted kidnapping attempts and assisted the elderly.”

However, Atishi also accused the BJP of hindering the marshals’ work. “The BJP was displeased with the success of the marshals and the employment of 10,000 youth from low-income families. They conspired to block the marshals’ salaries from April 2023 and, in October 2023, ensured that they lost their jobs entirely,” she claimed.

The CM acknowledged the marshals’ year-long struggle, during which they faced police brutality and protests. “Ultimately, their struggle forced the BJP to relent and agree to the reappointment of the marshals,” she said.

Atishi said the Delhi Government would soon send a proposal for the permanent reinstatement of these marshals. Until then, they would be deployed for pollution control measures.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticised the delay in the reinstatement and payment of wages. “While we welcome the reinstatement, the fact remains that the Lieutenant-Governor’s order for reinstatement was effective from November 1, not November 11. Despite this, the Chief Minister has kept the Civil Defence personnel unemployed until now,” Sachdeva said.

He further demanded that the Delhi Government pay the marshals their wages from November 1, in line with the L-G’s directive.