Thousands of trucks were stranded since morning across the state following truck owners’ call for a 72-hour strike starting today.
Trucks representative image (ANI Photo)
Thousands of trucks were stranded since morning across the state following truck owners’ call for a 72-hour strike starting today.
They are demanding seven key issues to be resolved, including stopping vehicle overloading, ending harassment by police, political parties and civic volunteers in the transport sector, stopping the process of money collection even from trucks carrying load within the permissible limits.
This strike may disrupt the supply of essential commodities and various goods across the state. The Federation of West Bengal Truck Operators’ Association (FWBTOA) has initiated this 72-hour strike as a last resort after repeated written complaints and requests to the administration failed to bring any resolution. The strike has been called statewide.
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Additionally, the federation is also protesting against the alleged harassment by the Motor Vehicles Inspectors (MVI) and the land and land reforms department at the block level.
Pradip Chakraborty, the representative of the association, stated that in West Midnapore district alone, over 10,000 trucks operate, who are under their association. Due to the strike, goods-laden trucks are now lined up along the roadsides or in parking lots, causing a disruption in the supply chain, which will affect normal life. The organization claimed that despite repeated notifications to the administration, no concrete actions were taken, and only verbal assurances were provided. However, truck owners and workers have not seen any real implementation of these promises.
As a result, many have been forced to leave the business, while others, with no alternative, have decided to take a stand. The festive season has begun, and there is now a significant concern that the supply of essential items, construction materials, and other necessary goods may be severely impacted.
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