Maharashtra Transporters StrikeLatest Update:The strike called by theMaharashtra Transport Action Committee(M-TAC) has been postponed after the Government of Maharashtra assured transporters that their issues would be addressed. M-TAC representatives told Mid-Day that they decided to defer the strike after receiving a written assurance from Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. The strike was called over complaints about the e-challan system, which transporters claim is being misused and resulting in unfair penalties.
“The response to the call for the strike has been positive, and we have been assured in writing by the state government that it will look into our demands after the Budget Session,” said Harsh Kotak, while speaking to Mid-Day.
Kotak added that a meeting is likely to be held next week, after which transporters will decide their next step. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also spoke to the transporters through a video call and assured them that their grievances would be resolved.
Bal Malkit Singh, advisor to the All India Motor Transport Congress and an M-TAC member, said the sector is facing several problems, especially those related to the e-challan system and other long-pending demands.
Transport Minister Sarnaik said a strike would create more problems and urged transporters to withdraw their call.
“A strike would add to problems. Hence, I have appealed to transporters to hold back the strike call. The government is serious about resolving their issues and is sensitive to their various demands,” Sarnaik said.
Earlier on Thursday, members of several transport unions held protests at 16 locations across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Demonstrations took place in the eastern suburbs, on the Western Express Highway and Eastern Express Highway, as well as in Navi Mumbai, Thane, near the coastal road, and in 12 other cities across the state.
Police dispersed the protesters, registered a few cases and impounded some tourist buses, according to union leaders. Later, transporters gathered at Azad Maidan to repeat their demands.
The issue was also raised in the Maharashtra Assembly. MLA Amin Patel asked the government to intervene and resolve the matter. He said nearly Rs 3,500 crore worth of e-challans are pending for commercial vehicles and alleged that some vehicles received multiple challans for the same offence.
Earlier, Minister Sarnaik had said he agreed in principle with the concerns raised by transporters and had asked officials to study the legal aspects of the issue.
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