Transporters begin indefinite strike

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar July 20

Members of the local unit of the All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) initiated their indefinite strike here on Friday.

The AIMTC, one of the apex bodies of transporters, had called the nationwide “chakka jam” to protest taxes imposed on the transporters.

The local transporters said the Centre and state government were finds ways to impose unnecessary taxes on them.

Mohinder Singh, vice-president of the AIMTC’s Jalandhar unit, said, now, they were paying maintenance tax under the Build Operate and Maintenance (BOM) model, which was unjustified.

“Even if the ministry charges maintenance tax from the transporters, why don’t we see its impact at the grassroots level?” asked Mohinder, adding that there is no proper drainage system on roads. He said damaged roads had not been repaired and the condition of the service road in Transport Nagar highlighted the real picture.

Jagdeep Singh Kamboj, owner of Akal Transport, said, “Now, we should stand up against anti-transporters policies of the government, which are affecting the sector.”

The transporters want reduction in diesel prices, no toll in the country, transparency and GST-free third party insurance premium (TPP).

They said the government should make amendments in the e-way bill system as the transporters were facing practical problems.

Mohinder said, “If we are paying a number of taxes then why we are forced to pay at toll plazas.”