Jamshedpur: An important press conference was organized by the Jamshedpur Truck and Trailer Owners Association at the Transport Nagar parking area in the city. During the meet, the organization’s General Secretary, Manish Singh, expressed grave concern over the ongoing harassment and illegal extortion faced by truck and trailer owners in West Bengal. The association issued a stern warning that if their grievances are not resolved promptly, they will be forced to launch a massive agitation.
Illegal Extortion in Bengal Despite All India Permit
Addressing the press conference, General Secretary Manish Singh stated that vehicle owners have been continuously harassed by the transport department of the previous West Bengal government (Trinamool Congress). He alleged that heavy extortion is being carried out from vehicles in West Bengal in the name of an ‘Additional Tax’. Furthermore, mechanical taxes and separate local toll taxes are forcefully collected after stopping vehicles at small diversions.
Manish Singh clarified that their vehicles operate on an ‘All India Permit’ and the requisite fees are already paid in advance. He emphasized that such a system of double taxation does not exist anywhere else in India, except in Bengal.
Demand from the New Government to Stop ‘Gunda Tax’
The office-bearers of the association expressed their expectations from the newly formed West Bengal government, demanding an immediate and complete halt to the syndicate of ‘Gunda Tax’ and other illegal tax collections that flourished under the previous regime. The truck owners are highly hopeful that the new government will take positive steps in this direction and provide much-needed relief to the transporters.
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Indefinite Strike from 15th if Demands Are Not Met
Issuing a clear ultimatum, the association stated that if their legitimate demands are not met and the illegal extortion is not curbed, all vehicle owners in Jamshedpur will go on an indefinite strike (Chakka Jam) starting from the 15th of this month. They also warned that truck owner associations from other states will fully support this strike, which could bring the entire freight transport system to a complete standstill.
The crucial press meeting was attended by several key members of the organization, including President Jasbir Singh, General Secretary Manish Kumar Singh, Treasurer Ranjit Kumar Singh, Pradeep Sharma, Abhay Singh, Pintu Yadav, Mahendra Yadav, Abhishek Jha, Vineet, Manoj Singh, Paras, Manish Ojha, Tapasya Singh, Sanjay Pandey, and many others.
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