Trade to be hit as 4.2 lakh truckers stay off roads

Chennai: Trade will take a massive hit in the state, as over 4.25 lakh goods vehicles would go on an indefinite strike beginning Thursday morning.

Following the rise in insurance, diesel price, and VAT, members of the South India Motor Transport Association (Simta) will protest, putting forth their demands to their state governments.

With members of the All India Association having met Union minister of state for road transport on Tuesday, issues under the Central government were discussed. “The Association had expressed their disregard for the 50 per cent insurance rise by the Insurance Regulatory Department Authority (IRDA), which was to be implemented from April 1. They were assured that there would not be a rise in the insurance,” said C. Dhanraj, secretary, state Lorry Owners’ Federation, Tamil Nadu.

“They were also assured that the Central government’s order to scrap vehicles over 15 years would not be implemented,” he stated, adding that the association’s demand to waive off toll collection may be considered. “Discussions are being held on matters relating to the waiving of the toll collection. However, members of the association were happy with the response they got to their demands under the Central government,” he added.  

Demanding that the state governments refrain from ordering the introduction of speed governors in old vehicles, the association would be going on strike.
“It would demand that the VAT in diesel and petrol prices and the hike in various RTO fees be cancelled,” said M.R. Kumaraswamy, president, State Lorry Owners’ Federation, Tamil Nadu.