Cabs, goods vehicles to go on strike from Jan 11

Bangalore: Getting a cab or a goods vehicle might be tough for about a fortnight, starting Jan 11, as Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners’ and Agents’ Association, along with its counterparts in Southern states, has threatened go on strike.

The protesters demand that the government fulfill their demands, including slashing diesel rates, toll rates and a firm decision on the implementation of the mandatory speed governor. They are also supporting the stand of sand truckers, who have been on strike for the last 15 days. The association’s President, G. R. Shanmugappa said it appears that the state government exists only for the sole purpose of harassing the transport fraternity as a whole.

“We will go on strike from January 11. The Bangalore Tourist Taxi Owners Association and auto drivers are also expected to express their solidarity in our fight against the government,” said an office-bearer.

“Frequent revision of diesel rates has hurt the industry a lot. We want the central government to review its decision and come out with a people-friendly decision,” said Shanmugappa.
The State Cabinet on Friday decided empower all deputy commissioners to strictly enforce the new sand policy.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs minister T.B. Jayachandra who briefed the media said, “We held a videoconference of all DCs to bring in clarity on the new policy and we have empowered the DCs and also fixed the responsibility to the PWD to initiate action against violations.

We cannot fulfill the demands of the agitating transporters as the SC, High Court and the Green Bench orders are clear that there is no difference between major and minor mineral and mindless extraction cannot be allowed at any cost.”