Truckers' strike continues in MP, enters second day

Bhopal, Jul 3 (UNI) The nationwide indefinite strike of truckers, called by All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), to press for their various long-term demands, entered the second day today resulting in huge impact in Madhya Pradesh.

Bhopal Transporters Association (BTA) President Ashok Malpani said the strike caused an estimated loss of Rs 75 crore to Rs 100 crore in the state, including about Rs 25 crore in the state capital alone.

Mr Malpani said the BTA had allowed trucks coming from other states to proceed in order to lessen the problem of the common people. About two lakh trucks in the state went off the road since yesterday, he added.

The BTA is supporting the nationwide strike to exert pressure on the Centre to remove transport sector from the ambit of service tax, stopping collection of illegal cesses in the name of toll tax and hike in levy on BOT (Build, Operate and Transfer) roads.

Mr Malpani further said the main demand of transporters in the state was reduction of sales tax on diesel. However, recent reduction on diesel price effected by the state government was negligible, he added.

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