<p>Bengaluru: The "indefinite" lorry strike that began on Monday night was called off by owners and drivers in Karnataka after they met with Transport Minister <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/ramalinga-reddy">Ramalinga Reddy</a>, who agreed to most of their demands.</p><p>Representatives of the striking Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents’ Association (FOKSLOAA), purportedly the apex body representing nearly six lakh truckers, transporters, tourist taxis and maxi cab operators in the state, noted that the government will implement a freight charge fixation to help truckers cope with increased diesel costs, a decision they have welcomed.</p>.No end in sight to Karnataka lorry strike, essential items may become costlier.<p>While initial talks did not seem to convince the federation, talks held with Reddy on Thursday showed some promise of action.</p><p>"We have asked the government to fix a per km charge for us, like there are for taxis, based on the size, carrying capacity, number of wheels, and other such parameters. Till now, it was demand and supply-based earnings for us, which fluctuated wildly. Now, the parking, toll, loading and unloading charges will be borne by the consignee or consigner, while our per km charges will be fixed," Arvind Appaji, secretary, FOKSLOAA, told <em>DH</em>.</p><p>He added that the association would form a committee with the transport department and submit a report to the government within 15 to 20 days, who will then study it and look at implementing these changes within the next one month.</p><p>The recent hike in diesel rates, which had become expensive by Rs 2 per litre after the state government hiked the sales tax on diesel from 18.44% to 21.17%, was the main trigger for the strike. Other demands included abolishing 18 state toll plazas and border check posts, reconsidering the proposed hike in old vehicle fitness renewal fees, increasing entry hours for commercial vehicles in Bengaluru city, and stopping harassment by NBFCs and microfinance providers.</p><p>Reddy on Thursday assured that a committee would be formed under the transport commissioner to submit a report within three months on how border check posts could be removed after studying what is followed in other states.</p><p><strong>Other assurances</strong></p><p>Ramalinga Reddy also assured that he would speak with the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner to review entry timings for goods vehicles, potentially relaxing the entry window for medium-sized vehicles, and also address truck drivers' alleged harassment by the police.</p><p>He has also assured that the department would set up an online penalty payment system for traffic fines imposed against lorry drivers and owners, and added that he would seek approval from the Finance Department and the CM to potentially offer a discount of 50% on such penalties.</p><p>Additionally, Reddy also said that tractors which have obtained agriculture permits but are using them to dump construction debris will be strictly dealt with.</p>
<p>Bengaluru: The "indefinite" lorry strike that began on Monday night was called off by owners and drivers in Karnataka after they met with Transport Minister <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/ramalinga-reddy">Ramalinga Reddy</a>, who agreed to most of their demands.</p><p>Representatives of the striking Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents’ Association (FOKSLOAA), purportedly the apex body representing nearly six lakh truckers, transporters, tourist taxis and maxi cab operators in the state, noted that the government will implement a freight charge fixation to help truckers cope with increased diesel costs, a decision they have welcomed.</p>.No end in sight to Karnataka lorry strike, essential items may become costlier.<p>While initial talks did not seem to convince the federation, talks held with Reddy on Thursday showed some promise of action.</p><p>"We have asked the government to fix a per km charge for us, like there are for taxis, based on the size, carrying capacity, number of wheels, and other such parameters. Till now, it was demand and supply-based earnings for us, which fluctuated wildly. Now, the parking, toll, loading and unloading charges will be borne by the consignee or consigner, while our per km charges will be fixed," Arvind Appaji, secretary, FOKSLOAA, told <em>DH</em>.</p><p>He added that the association would form a committee with the transport department and submit a report to the government within 15 to 20 days, who will then study it and look at implementing these changes within the next one month.</p><p>The recent hike in diesel rates, which had become expensive by Rs 2 per litre after the state government hiked the sales tax on diesel from 18.44% to 21.17%, was the main trigger for the strike. Other demands included abolishing 18 state toll plazas and border check posts, reconsidering the proposed hike in old vehicle fitness renewal fees, increasing entry hours for commercial vehicles in Bengaluru city, and stopping harassment by NBFCs and microfinance providers.</p><p>Reddy on Thursday assured that a committee would be formed under the transport commissioner to submit a report within three months on how border check posts could be removed after studying what is followed in other states.</p><p><strong>Other assurances</strong></p><p>Ramalinga Reddy also assured that he would speak with the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner to review entry timings for goods vehicles, potentially relaxing the entry window for medium-sized vehicles, and also address truck drivers' alleged harassment by the police.</p><p>He has also assured that the department would set up an online penalty payment system for traffic fines imposed against lorry drivers and owners, and added that he would seek approval from the Finance Department and the CM to potentially offer a discount of 50% on such penalties.</p><p>Additionally, Reddy also said that tractors which have obtained agriculture permits but are using them to dump construction debris will be strictly dealt with.</p>
