Job aspirants shortlisted for NWKRTC driver and conductor roles continued their protest in Hubballi on Wednesday, demanding the immediate filling of 814 remaining vacancies.

Key Takeaways

  • Protesters demand filling of 814 remaining posts from the 2019 recruitment notification.
  • Legal injunction forced protesters to shift from the NWKRTC head office to Santhe Maidan.
  • A relay hunger strike is scheduled to begin this coming Friday.

HUBBALLI: The standoff between job aspirants and the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) intensified on Wednesday as protests entered their second consecutive day. Candidates shortlisted for driver and driver-cum-conductor positions are demanding that the corporation fulfill its 2019 commitment to fill all 2,814 notified posts, of which 814 remain vacant.

Due to a temporary injunction from a local court preventing the use of banners and posters within 300 meters of the NWKRTC head office, the protesters were forced to relocate. The demonstration has now shifted to Santhe Maidan near Akshay Park, where family members have also joined the cause to show solidarity.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such prolonged recruitment delays create a vacuum in essential public services and lead to significant socio-economic distress among the youth. When government notifications are issued but subsequently diluted, it undermines the credibility of state recruitment processes and fuels widespread civil unrest.

The government must honor its recruitment promises rather than employing legal maneuvers to suppress democratic dissent.

The core of the issue dates back to a 2019 recruitment drive. While 2,814 posts were originally notified, the number was controversially slashed to 1,000, leading to years of agitation. Although 1,000 posts were filled in January 2026 following previous protests, the remaining 814 positions continue to be a point of intense contention.

Historical Background

Between June and November last year, massive protests were staged, including a high-profile visit by the then Transport Minister. Despite these interventions and the subsequent recruitment of 1,000 staff, the failure to address the remaining vacancies has forced the aspirants back onto the streets.

Did You Know?: Even the Chairman and Managing Director of NWKRTC had previously approached the government to request permission to fill the remaining 1,814 posts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why were the protesters forced to move their location?
A: A court order prohibited protesting activities, including displaying posters, within 300 meters of the NWKRTC head office.

Q2: What is the next step in the protesters' plan?
A: After postponing an indefinite hunger strike, the candidates have resolved to launch a relay hunger strike starting this Friday.