Pvt bus operators in Pondy to strike on July 21

Puducherry, Jul 19 (UNI) Private bus operators in Puducherry will observe a day's strike on July 21, demanding upward revision in bus fares.

In a release here today, Private Bus Owners Association President Bharathi Kannan said the operators in Puducherry were collecting the lowest fare of 23 paise per km. Over last six years the price of diesel had gone up to Rs 35.46 from Rs 16.80 per litre.

Even after several representations to the government, no action was taken to hike the bus fare and the bus operators were unable to operate their services, he lamented.

The private bus operators had given a call for strike on July 15, which was later called off, following an assurance from the Chief Minister that their demand would be considered.

Since no steps were taken yet to increase the fares, the operators were forced to resort to a day's strike from July 20 midnight to July 21 midnight, Mr Kannan added.

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