Transporters to support strike over insurance hike

Taxi unions, lorry owners and other transporters in the State have extended their support to the nation-wide strike called by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) from April 1, against the increase in third party insurance premiums.

While transporters have called for chakka jam from April 1 midnight, taxi unions have decided to go on principle strike (they support the issue but won’t stop services).
AIMTC member Prabhakar K said third party insurance premium was hiked by 107 per cent this year. Our other demands include decontrolling of fuel rate hiking, uniformity of diesel prices across the country, national permit for tourist buses, one-time annual toll, industry status to transporters, et al. Bangalore Tourist Taxi Owners Association General Secretary K Radhakrishna Holla said third party insurance premiums had been hiked for second consecutive year for taxis.

While Insurance Regulatory Development Authority increased the premium by 20 per cent during the previous year, it will now be hiked by 45.99 per cent (for taxis) from April 1. Bangalore Tourist Taxi Owners Association President B G Shivanna said they will go on principle strike and if demands are not met, they will go strike in full fledged manner.