Homeowners and drivers of roughly 6 lakh vehicles in Karnataka, beneath the management of the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Homeowners and Brokers’ Affiliation (FKSLOAA) and its president G R Shanmugappa, launched an indefinite statewide strike beginning at midnight on April 14.
The transfer goals to attract consideration to a number of grievances stemming from current state authorities insurance policies that has allegedly disrupted items transportation throughout Karnataka, and probably affected provide chains in neighbouring states.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and senior transport officers are set to satisfy on Tuesday night to take inventory of the scenario.
The strike is primarily pushed by opposition to the current hike in diesel worth. In June 2024, diesel worth elevated by Rs 3 per litre, adopted by a further Rs 2 per litre hike efficient from April 1 this 12 months, as a result of Karnataka authorities elevating the gross sales tax on diesel from 18.44 per cent to 21.17 per cent. This has resulted in a cumulative improve of roughly Rs 5 per litre over the previous 9 months, considerably elevating operational prices for transporters.
Beforehand, when diesel was cheaper in Karnataka in comparison with neighbouring states, out-of-state vehicles refuelled in Karnataka, producing substantial tax income. The FKSLOAA sought a rollback of those hikes, arguing that the present costs deter refuelling within the state, impacting each truckers in addition to state income.
Truck house owners are additionally protesting the gathering of toll charges at 18 state freeway toll cubicles, distinctive to Karnataka, as no different state imposes such expenses on state highways. The affiliation highlights that truckers already pay street tax and a street cess on diesel, and toll cubicles usually lack primary facilities or street security measures. They demand the quick cessation of toll assortment on state highways, citing monetary pressure and insufficient infrastructure.
The FKSLOAA additionally referred to as for the elimination of RTO border examine posts, arguing they’re redundant within the period of GST and digital transactions. Different states have moved towards eliminating such examine posts, together with Maharashtra which has introduced cancellation of examine posts from April 15. The affiliation alleged that examine posts facilitated harassment and extortion, and their continued operation in Karnataka was unjustified. They demanded quick cancellation to align with nationwide traits towards streamlined transport.
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The central authorities’s tips to extend the health certificates renewal charge to Rs 15,000 for automobiles over 15 years outdated additionally sparked outrage. Whereas this charge falls beneath state jurisdiction, the FKSLOAA demanded that Karnataka chorus from implementing it, because it disproportionately impacts small and medium operators. The affiliation argued that the steep hike, mixed with different rising prices, threatens the viability of the lorry trade.
The restriction of products automobiles to a five-hour window in cities like Bengaluru has adversely impacted the transport trade, inflicting delays and driver shortages. Truck house owners report frequent harassment by the police for alleged violations of those “no entry” guidelines. The FKSLOAA demanded a assessment of those curbs and sought a gathering with authorities to deal with operational challenges and guarantee smoother items motion.
The strike has halted the transport of most items, together with building supplies, petroleum, and shopper items, although milk, drugs, and perishable gadgets are exempted. The All India Motor Transport Congress and associations from 24 states, together with Tamil Nadu – which has suggested its vehicles to keep away from Karnataka – have supported the strike, amplifying its influence.
Minister Reddy has urged truckers to name off the strike, arguing that at Rs 91.05 per litre, Karnataka’s diesel costs stay the bottom in South India, and that the Rs 2 hike was vital. He famous that truckers didn’t protest central authorities gas worth rises over the previous decade, suggesting the strike could also be politically motivated.
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Nonetheless, the Federation of Karnataka Lorry Homeowners’ Affiliation, led by Channa Reddy, has distanced itself from the strike, claiming it was not consulted, and asserted that Karnataka’s diesel costs are aggressive, indicating a division among the many truckers.