BMTC says rules don’t prohibit practising religion in light of recent video

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: An incident involving a female passenger and a bus conductor (in pic) from the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has ignited a heated debate on social media.

The controversy arose when the conductor was seen wearing a skullcap while on duty, as captured in a viral video. The encounter sparked widespread discussions on the topics of religious expression, cultural diversity and the boundaries of personal beliefs in public-service professions.

The video evoked a range of reactions, with both support and criticism, highlighting the complexities and sensitivities surrounding religious attire in public spaces.

However, no formal police complaint was filed regarding the incident. In response to the circulating video on social media, a BMTC official unequivocally stated that there are no specific regulations in place to restrict employees, including bus conductors and drivers, from expressing and practising their religious beliefs while performing their job duties.

The BMTC spokesperson informed the media, "We became aware of the incident approximately ten days ago, which involved a bus en route to Uttarahalli from Shivajinagar.

"We have not initiated any investigation into the incident, and no complaint has been registered. We are not gathering the woman's personal information."

Regarding the practice of religious beliefs, the spokesperson emphasised, "Uniform regulations for bus conductors and drivers have been in place for the past four decades, and there is no explicit mention of prohibiting employees from wearing religious items alongside their uniforms."

The spokesperson further stated, "Even during the period of 41 days in December and January, when many employees wear an Ayyappa attire as part of their Hindu religious observance as devotees of Kerala's Sabarimala Swamy Ayyappa, we allow them and do not restrict any employee from following their religious beliefs."

This incident has ignited a clash of opinions regarding religious attire and its appropriateness within a government work setting.

Many Internet users praised the conductor for maintaining composure and behaving politely, while others criticised the woman's actions as an act of "moral policing."