Odisha govt trying to sort out bus strike threat

With private bus operators set to go on a strike from December 1 opposing the proposed tax hike, Odisha government today said it is trying to resolve the matter through discussion.
"The Private Bus Owners' Association submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and me seeking withdrawal of the proposed hike in tax rates. We are trying to resolve the issue by discussing with the bus owners by December 1," Commerce and Transport Minister Ramesh Majhi said.
Stating that there had been no tax hike in the state since 2005, Majhi said the state cabinet recently decided to increase tax.

It has not yet been executed since the proposal is waiting to get Assembly nod, the minister told reporters.
The private bus operators have given a call to go for the statewide strike from December 1. "Since the State government has increased taxes on all category of passenger buses, it has become impossible for us to run buses without increase in fare," said Private Bus Owners' Association Debendra Kumar Sahu.
The government proposes to bring the amendment for hiking Motor Vehicles Tax in the forthcoming winter session of the Odisha Assembly.