Bengaluru: The two-day nationwide truckers’ strike saw four lakh lorries coming to a halt in the state on Monday. Protesting against the imposition of GST, high diesel prices and harassment on roads, truck drivers and owners also demanded that diesel be brought under the purview of Goods and Services Tax.
“Ever since the GST was implemented, we purchase goods at 22% and sell at 28%. There are more than 400 tollgates in the country and speeding trucks on national highway have to stop every few kilometres,” complained Shanmugappa, general secretary, South India Motor Transport Association.
The association also wants inclusion of diesel under GST as the price will come down by Rs 10. In place of tollgates on highways, lorry unions propose an advance collection of tolls on a yearly basis.
“Nowhere in the country, except in Karnataka, do we find police and RTI officials on the highways. The stop us every 30 km, harass us and demand money. We want an end to these corrupt practices,” Shanmugappa said, adding that NICE Road which was built for Rs 1,500 crore has already earned Rs 3000 crore in tolls.
If state and central governments fail to respond to their demands, an indefinite strike will ensue putting an end to the movement of all goods.
