LUCKNOW, March 26 -- The three-day recruitment drive for contractual bus drivers by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) in Lucknow has failed to acquire the number of drivers it hoped to. Against a goal of hiring 250 drivers, only 68 candidates could qualify the driving test over the three days.Even as the recruitment process concluded on Wednesday, officials admitted that the turnout and final selection figures remained below expectation. The shortfall highlights a persistent issue faced by the SRTC.According to official data shared in a release, 75 candidates applied during the three-day employment fair held from March 23 to 25 at Awadh Bus Station, Lucknow. Six applications were rejected and one candidate remained absent after applying. Finally, 68 candidates qualified the initial driving test.On condition of anonymity, a serving UPSRTC driver attributed the low turnout to tough working conditions, especially for contractual staff. He said drivers are required to meet targets related to average mileage and minimum driving kilometres, failing which salary deductions are made. "If someone is earning Rs.15,000-Rs.20,000 and deductions are imposed, it becomes difficult to sustain a family," he said.Girish Chandra Mishra, general secretary of the Roadways Karamchari Sanyukt Parishad, said strict eligibility criteria, including at least two years of experience in driving heavy vehicles, also limit the pool of applicants. However, he defended the standards, stating that safety considerations make such criteria necessary....