Bhopal, Aug 28 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh government late Wednesday brought private bus operators under the provisions of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) after they resorted to an indefinite strike which revoked little response. The state government has declared the operation of public transport buses as essential service under ESMA, prohibiting refusal to work with effect from Aug 27 for a period of three months, officials said.

The indefinite strike from Wednesday morning, however, had evoked poor response as there was a division among various associations.

The Madhya Pradesh Bus Owners Association called for the strike demanding a hike in bus fares, abolition of a three-tier taxation system and grant of permanent permits to the owners of buses on contract.