Truck operators warn Punjab government to clear Rs 150-crore arrears

Truck operators warn Punjab government to clear Rs 150-crore arrears

Responding to a query, Sandhu said that the Centre has imposed 28% GST even on sale and purchase of old trucks and lamented that they were being exploited by the regional transport offices (RTOs).

Truck operators under the banner of All Punjab Truck Operator Union on Wednesday gave a 10-day ultimatum to the state government for releasing Rs 150-crore arrears on account of lifting of wheat from grain markets during rabi season.

They have said that if the government fails to clear their money by October 14, the operators would stall lifting paddy from across Punjab.

President of the truck union Happy Sandhu said that although six months have passed after the wheat season, the government has failed to release Rs 150 crore of loading charges. He further said that they were forced to take this decision as truckers were now under extreme financial crunch.

Responding to a query, Sandhu said that the Centre has imposed 28% GST even on sale and purchase of old trucks and lamented that they were being exploited by the regional transport offices (RTOs).

“The central government’s decision to phase out 10-year-old trucks would create havoc, he said.

He also said that the union has decided to observe a two-day strike to oppose both the decisions. However, in the view of the interests of farmers, the truck operators have decided to participate in the strike only on October 10.

On the decision of the Punjab government to disband 134 truck unions, Sandhu said the government had realized its fault and asked the truckers to go by their own will.

The government stated that the operators were are free to work in unions or form new societies for the same,” he said.

Source: https://goo.gl/kb2ZbG