The south Indian truckers will go on an indefinite strike from August 18 night protesting against the inaction of the central government in conceding their demands pending for a long time.
The south Indian truckers will go on an indefinite strike from August 18 night protesting against the inaction of the central government in conceding their demands pending for a long time.
The truckers have taken the decision due to the crisis faced by the automobile industry after the fuel prices were increased by the central government.
Besides, the rise of spares parts, taxes, toll gate and third-party insurance premium are causing a heavy burden on the transport sector. More than 20 lakh trucks in south Indian states are expected to go off the roads due to the strike.
The Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners Association general secretary, Mr Y. Eswara Rao, on Tuesday alleged that the central government failed to concede the primary demand of giving concession on toll tax for the trucks travelling within the district.
He said the Union government in December 2010 had agreed to reduce the toll fee for the trucks within the district when the All India Motor Transport Congress held discussions with the central government. Mr Eswara Rao has criticised the central government for ignoring the promise.
He said the third party insurance premium was also increased from Rs.6,000 to Rs.10,000 per annum when the truckers are struggling to run vehicles due to hike in diesel prices and spare parts.
Mr Eswara Rao demanded that the central government maintain uniformity in tax ceiling on diesel and reduce the duty on importing tyres.
The association leader said truckers of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry and Maharashtra would take part in the strike from August 18 night.
He has appealed to the truckers in the state to ensure that the trucks return to their places by the time strike begins and asked them stop booking goods from August 17.
Mr Eswara Rao said unless the central government reduces the toll fee and gives concession for passing vehicles within the district, the sector could not survive.
August 17, 2011, By DC Correspondent, DC