Transporters to boycott Goa operations from 12 May midnight

Panaji: All India Motor Transport Congress on Wednesday while protesting the imposition of entry tax on vehicles by Goa government has warned of stopping the goods truck and passenger buses in the state from 12 May midnight.

All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) managing committee, which met in Goa today, decided to strike as Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar refused to roll back the controversial tax imposed in the state since 15 April.

AIMTC president Bal Malkit Singh told reporters in Panaji today that the tax has been imposed illegally by Goa government, who is firm on its stand of not withdrawing it.

“We have decided to strike the work from 12 May midnight onwards. All the goods trucks and passenger buses even carrying tourists would not ply to Goa. The decision is unanimous,” he said.

The issue was prominently raised during AIMTC conference which is currently underway in Goa wherein 450 transporters are participating.

Singh said that the bus owners’ lobby plying inter-state is also part of the Congress, which has vehemently supported the strike.

Goa government has imposed an entry tax of Rs 1,000 on the heavy vehicles entering the state, while vehicles from the neighbouring Sindhudurg, Karwar, Belgaum and Kolhapur have been exempted for the time being.

Singh alleged that the Goa government, by giving exemption to vehicles from selected districts, is trying to divide and rule.

“The AIMTC members have decided not to fall for this divide and rule and unitedly strike from May 12,” he said.

Transporters tried to have an audience with the Chief Minister on the issue but he was out of station, he said.

“Even Goa transport minister was out of station and hence we could not meet but we have submitted our memorandum to them,” Singh added.

Imposition of entry tax by Goa government had resulted in protests by the transporters and traders last month which was subsequently withdrawn following intervention of Parrikar.

PTI