In a significant move, the Delhi government has approved a salary hike for contractual drivers and conductors of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). The new structure replaces the daily allowance system with a comprehensive monthly salary, incorporating basic pay, grade pay, and dearness allowance (DA).
Previously, contractual drivers earned Rs 843 per day, equivalent to Rs 21,918 monthly, without additional allowances.
Under the revised framework, contractual drivers will now receive Rs 32,918 per month, up from Rs 21,918. Conductors’ salaries have been raised to Rs 29,250 per month. The salary revisions are projected to cost Rs 222 crore annually, which will be fully funded by the state government.
Furthermore, the conductors will be placed in Pay Grade Level 2 with a basic pay of Rs 19,200 and a grade pay of Rs 1,900. Drivers will move to Pay Matrix Level 3 with a basic pay of Rs 21,700 and a grade pay of Rs 2,000. Both categories will now enjoy DA and allowances similar to those of regular employees.
This decision comes after contractual workers voiced their demands during a recent strike, prompting discussions with officials. The revised pay aims to address long-standing concerns and provide fair compensation to the DTC workforce.
Additional measures have also been introduced to improve employee welfare. An online system for depot transfer requests will allow employees to seek postings closer to their residences. Female staff members transferred to far-off locations will be reinstated at more convenient postings.
As DTC transitions its fleet from CNG to electric buses, the government has pledged to safeguard the jobs of contract drivers. They will receive specialised training to operate electric buses and be prioritised for roles in the new fleet. Drivers promoted to Assistant Ticket Inspectors (ATI) will also receive priority in these assignments.
The proposal has received in-principle approval and awaits final clearance from the Lieutenant Governor.
