A special retirement ceremony was held at the Borsad Depot of the Nadiad GSRTC division. The event celebrated the retirement of Arif G. Vohra, a dedicated officer of the ST Workers Federation Union, who will retire on May 31, 2025. The ceremony took place on June 2, 2025, under the chairmanship of Indrajit Singh P. Jadeja, the president of the ST Workers Federation Union.
Retirement is a part of administrative traditions. However, being honoured during retirement is a significant aspect. Historically, the retirement age was first implemented in the military. German leader Bismarck realised that most capable generals were over 65 years old. In 1870, he introduced a mandatory retirement age of 65 for military personnel. This policy spread to Europe and America and eventually became the norm for government employees worldwide.
Each person faces the question of when to retire from their professional life. Mark Twain, the famous author, stated that if his work did not stop, he would have no issues with retirement. He believed that as long as one is healthy, inactivity is not an option. For those who have worked their whole lives, a lack of work can be unsettling. Retirement does not mean an end to activity; rather, it signifies a change in direction.
The ceremony featured several distinguished guests. Ramanbhai Solanki, a respected member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, and Jayanti Bhai C. Patel, the general secretary of the ST Workers Federation in Ahmedabad, were present. Other notable attendees included C.D. Mahajan, the regional director of the GSRTC in Nadiad, and Atul J. Solanki, the regional director from Amreli.
The event was organised by Dilipsinh P. Chauhan, the general secretary of the Nadiad division, and Kantilal M. Vaghela, the working president of the Nadiad division, along with members of the Mazdoor Mahajan Union.
In recent news, employees of the GSRTC have expressed their frustrations. They have threatened to stage a state-wide protest if their demands are not met. Issues concerning the ST Corporation and workers have been pending for a long time. Despite repeated petitions from various ST organisations, a resolution has not been found. Employees claim that the government is not taking their concerns seriously, particularly regarding services to passengers in small villages.
Drivers and conductors from the Borsad Depot have gathered to demand urgent acceptance of their demands. The ST Workers Federation and other unions held protests outside the ST Depot. Currently, the Borsad Depot operates buses to 545 locations across various villages, covering over 30,000 km with 71 schedules.
As a warning, services may be halted from October 8, leading to significant inconvenience for daily commuters in rural areas. The government is urged to make timely decisions regarding these matters to avoid disruptions in public transport.
In conclusion, the retirement of Arif G. Vohra marks a significant milestone for both him and the GSRTC community. The ceremony highlighted the importance of honouring those who have dedicated their lives to public service. As the government faces challenges from its workers, it is vital to address their needs to ensure smooth operations for the benefit of all citizens.
Leave a Reply