Private bus operators call off strike

Shimla, June 15

The private bus operators’ union has called off its indefinite strike. “Following our meeting with Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and Transport Minister Bikram Singh today, we have decided to call off the strike,” said union president Rajesh Parashar.

“Private buses will be pressed into service from tomorrow,” he said.

The private fleet had gone off roads in May, demanding exemption of special road tax and a working capital of Rs 2 lakh per bus. They had refused to call off their strike even when the government offered them 50 per cent exemption in tax and assistance in payment of interest in the working capital a few days back.

However, the deadlock was broken after the private operators, accompanied by Satpal Satti, met the Chief Minister. “The Chief Minister and the Transport Minister saw our point and assured us that our demands would be considered,” said Parashar. — TNS