Normal life partially affected by strike in WB

Kolkata, Sep 2: Normal life was partially affected in West Bengal today following the country-wide general strike called by 10 central trade unions against the policies of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.

Train services on South Eastern railway were normal although Eastern railway officials said suburban services in the Sealdah south section were hit for sometime in the morning due to blockade at some places. Metro Rail services were operating normally, officials said. Shops, markets and business establishments in most areas remained closed.

State administration was plying a large fleet of public buses while private buses and taxis were also seen on the streets though their number was less compared to other week days. A senior Kolkata Police official said, "Although buses are plying, the number of passengers is less."

West Bengal government and opposition Left Front locked horns over the strike call, with the former issuing circulars to employees and making all out efforts to keep life normal and the latter asking people to "tear away circulars".

Airport officials here said that flights of Air India and other airlines operated normally at N S C Bose International Airport.

They, however, said passengers faced inconvenience due to inadequate number of taxis at the airport.

As many as 12 central trade unions had given the strike call over a 12-point charter of demands, including withdrawal of the proposed "anti-worker" amendments in labour laws and stopping the disinvestment and privatisation of PSUs.

BMS later pulled out saying the government needed to be given time to fulfil its promises on the basic demands. The National Front of Indian Trade Unions will also stay out.

PTI