Truckers' strike: States cooperation must, says Chidambaram
Press Trust of India / New Delhi Jan 09, 2009, 17:30 IST
The Centre today said it is in talks with states to resolve the five-day-old truckers' strike, which along with the PSU oil officers' stir, has affected movement of goods across the country.
"The road transport secretary has said we are talking to the states. We will have to take the states with us," Home Minister P Chidambaram told reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet, which reviewed the situation arising out of the strike.
He said the Centre needs to take consent of states since most of the issues raised by the truckers relate to them. The truckers have been demanding putting diesel in the declared goods category, leading to a cut in fuel price, unrestricted import of tyres, a single national permit and reduction in toll taxes, among others.
"The issue of service tax exemption has been resolved. The other issue of increase in toll is factually incorrect," he said.
"All other demands pertain to the states. Yet, the truckers go on strike that is against the interest of the people and therefore, steps are being taken by the Ministry of Surface Transport to deal with the matter," Chidambaram added.
It is imperative that the states all agree to give up this archaic system of statewide permits and agree to a single national permit in the interest of the country. Harrassment of transporters at state borders must be eliminated. This will ensure a more prosperous India. The economic loss due to statewide permits cannot be overstated.
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