CHENNAI: In view of the indefinite strike by lorry operators in support of their demands, the Tamil Nadu government on Saturday announced that agricultural produce can be transported in State Transport Corporation buses, without causing disturbance to passengers. This arrangement is likely to be in force until the strike is withdrawn. An official release here said managing directors of all State transport undertakings have been given instructions in this regard.
Meanwhile, as the nation-wide lorry strike enters the third day on Sunday, prices of vegetables, particularly of onions and potatoes, are likely to go up in Tamil Nadu. While the impact of the strike is yet to hit the market, traders said many trucks carrying vegetables, especially those coming from north India, had been stopped. “Our drivers were intimidated. This strike will affect farmers the most, the government must take immediate action,” said Thiagarajan, president, Koyambedu Market Traders’ Association. About four lakh vehicles are off the road in the State because of the strike, said MR Kumaraswamy, president of Tamil Nadu Lorry Owners Association.
“We’ve provided an exemption only for lorries carrying essentials such as milk, water and medicines,” he said.The State and Central governments should convene talks with lorry owners’ representatives to end their strike, S Ramadoss, PMK founder said in a statement.The indefinite strike is to press for demands, including reduction of price and for a uniform national pricing of fuel with quarterly revisions.
Hike in prices
An official release here said managing directors of all State transport. Prices of veggies, including onion and potatoes to go up