VIJAYAWADA: With prices of diesel reaching an all-time high and there were no signs of coming down, the Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners Association (APLOA) has decided to launch an indefinite strike from July 20. The decision was taken by APLOA during the recent meeting held with the representatives of All India Motor Transport Congress.
When contacted, APLOA general secretary YV Eswara Rao said that truck operators in the State have been facing several untold hardships post demonetisation. Still they lent their support to the Central government for effective implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and e-way bills,” he said.
In addition to this, the daily revision of diesel price by the oil companies has led to an unprecedented crisis in the lorry industry. In this year alone, it has increased by `16.23. Due to rising fuel prices, most lorry owners have sold off their vehicles and are choosing some other profession to eke out a livelihood, he said.
‘’Around 3 lakh lorries from the State will stay off the roads during the indefinite strike from July 20. We will not relent till the Centre addresses the problems faced by the lorry industry,’’ Rao informed.
The other demands of APLOA include reduction in premium of third-party insurance by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA), transparency in toll system, closure of toll plazas, the validity of which have expired, and amendment of Section 44AE of Income Tax. Both the Central and State governments should reduce central excise and VAT on petroleum products to protect the interests of lorry owners and employees, he demanded.
Demands of APLOA
Reduction in prices of petrol and diesel
Transparency in toll system and closure of toll plazas, the validity of which have expired
Reduction in third-party premium levied by IRDAI
Resolve GST and e-way bills
National permit for tourist vehicles
Prevent the harassment of Road Transport Authority (RTA), Police and Commercial Taxes department officials
Amendment of Section 44AE of Income Tax
Withdraw double driver system for the goods vehicles with national permit