Truck operators threaten to stall paddy lifting

Truck operators in Punjab will stop lifting paddy from 'mandis' if the state government does not clear their outstanding dues within 10 days, union president Happy Sandhu warned today.
At a meeting of truckers held in Patiala today, Sandhu served a 10-day ultimatum to the government demanding clearance of arrears, worth Rs 150 crore, for lifting wheat from the 'mandis' last season.
The operators, under the banner of All Punjab Truck Operators' Union, also threatened to halt the process if their demand is not met by October 14.
Paddy procurement for the central pool started this Sunday.
Sandhu claimed that if the state implements the 2005 SC order, banning overloaded vehicles, it may lead to an additional purchase of 1 lakh trucks, which can help the government to mop up an auxiliary tax revenue of more than Rs 10,000 crore.