Truckers warn of countrywide indefinite strike from April 1

Kolkata, March 26: Truckers on Sunday threatened to remain off the road across India indefinitely from April 1 in protest against the sharp increase in third party insurance premium and government charges. The strike has been called by the All India Confederation of Goods Vehicles Owners’ Association, its executive member Subhas Chandra Bose said over phone. Bose said the insurers have raised the third party insurance premium for trucks by over 50 per cent, while the Central government has jacked up various fees including that for permits. “These two rate hikes have made goods vehicles fincial unviable,” said Bose, also the General Secretary of Federation of West Bengal Truck Operators’ Association. The strikers have sent letters to all governments departments and ministers. Milk supply and some other emergency services have been kept outside the ambit of the strike. (IANS)