Nath asks truckers to abandon strike in country's interest

NEW DELHI: Minister of Road Transport and Highways Kamal Nath today said that the truckers should not go on strike in the larger interest of the country after they on Tuesday threatened to go on an indefinite strike to protest against the present toll policy.

The truckers organisation, All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) has demanded lower toll tax or nearly 62 lakh trucks would go off roads from August 6, bringing movement of goods throughout the country to a halt.

"We are discussing with truckers, we had a meeting today also...we hope that they do not take such a step as many people would be affected by their move," Nath said of the talks held between the Road Ministry and AIMTC.

AIMTC, which is seeking rationalisation of toll charges, has sought a high-level probe either by the CBI or a parliamentary panel into the toll collection policy. It alleged that "arbitrary" revision in toll rates in 2008 has resulted in truckers paying a hefty Rs 5,000 crore a day as toll tax.

Besides, it has also asked for revision of diesel prices and removal of anti-dumping duty on tyres.

Truckers have gone on strikes in July 2008, January 2009 and July 2009 against their grievances, including irrational toll charges.