The indefinite strike called by over two lakh transporters across India, officially began at midnight today.
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Heave-ho: Truckers unload goods at the APMC market today in direct contravention of the indefinite strike. pic/nimesh dave |
The indefinite strike called by over two lakh transporters across India, officially began at midnight today. However, at the APMC market in Vashi, truckers and tempo drivers were completely unaware of the strike. APMC is the main wholesale market for perishables and foodgrains the city.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the essential commodities like vegetables would be the worst hit, because of the strike. Uttam Khobe, a transporter, reached the market early this morning, when the strike was supposed to have begun. "What I know is that there was a strike on Saturday, but it was cancelled. There was no strike announced for Monday. Everything is normal here."
Rajkumar, a vegetable vendor from Dadar, rubbishes the strike. "Kisine aise hi hawa udaya hoga. There is no strike, have a look at the market, people are loading vegetables on to the trucks. The trucks reached here on time and now we are on our way to other markets in the city," said Rajkumar.
However, Prakash Gavali, president, Maharashtra Rajya Truck Tempo Tankers Bus Vahatuk Mahasangh, said, "The chakka jam has already begun in the city from midnight. You can see the effect of our chakka jam during the day, which is when no truck will move. We called for a strike and every transporter participated."
Then again, Sitaram Haddare, a shop owner, said he had no information about the strike. "Everything is normal here. The trucks that were supposed to deliver the vegetables have already reached APMC and from here trucks are being loaded for sending vegetables to other markets. Neither I, nor my colleagues were aware of the strike."
Demands- Reduction in the price of diesel by Rs 10 per litre to Rs 26.80 per litre.
- Reduction of import duty on tyres.
- No service tax on transporters, as they are service providers.
