The state of Assam has been in discussions for some time now. The apex body of transporters in Assam has announced an uncertain strike across the state from 6 am on Monday over alleged government inaction to address their issue of mounting losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The All Assam Motor Transport Association (AAMTA) on Sunday said all passenger vehicles ranging from autorickshaws to buses will settle off the roads. The government has requested AAMTA to withdraw the strike and invited its leaders for a meeting on October 6, but the group said its anxiety will continue until anything concrete comes from the administration.
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Members of the organization have reached the transport minister and officials several times in the last few months, requesting support to the sector but nothing has been done yet, AAMTA secretary-general Pradip Das said. He said, “Every time, the government gives us assurances. We have submitted several memorandums and met with many officials. But no step has been initiated to address our heavy losses.”
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He claimed payments of several crores of rupees for plying buses requisitioned by the government to ferry stranded people during the lockdown period are pending with the administration. “We are operating with only 50 percent capacity as per the COVID-19 protocol. Hence, we urged the government to allow us to somewhat raise the tickets till the situation normalizes, but they turned down our plea,” Das said. The Transport Department, on the contrary, has imposed fines in the range of Rs 2,000-20,000 if any vehicle was found carrying even one passenger more than the stipulated 50 percent capacity, he said.
