Mumbai (The Hindu): The protest by railway apprentices was debated in the Assembly on Tuesday, after the Opposition asked why the police resorted to lathi charge peaceful protesters.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the police had to act as the protesters pelted stones. He further said that the Railways administration has initiated talks with the apprentices.

Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil raised the issue through a point of order before Question Hour. “The apprentices protested on Central Railway tracks for four hours. As a result, commuters had to face hardships as services were disrupted. But we should consider the hardships of the youths as well. The Railways administration was not forthcoming to talk to them and understand their demands. Instead, the police resorted to a lathi charge, and many protesters were injured. The government should have shown some sensitivity by talking to the Railways Ministry and conveying the apprentices’ demands”

Mr. Fadnavis replied that the Railways has increased the reservation for apprentices from 10 to 20%. “The youths are demanding 100% reservation in railway jobs. The Railways administration has initiated talks with the protesters and a solution will be arrived at.”