GUWAHATI: In response to the 48-hour strike initially called by commercial vehicle owners, the Assam Motor Worker Association has decided to shorten the duration to 24 hours. Following extensive discussions between association leaders and state transport department officials, the decision was reached to ease the inconvenience caused to the public.
The pivotal meeting, lasting five hours, focused on the concerns raised by the motor workers' association and the steps needed to address them. The primary reason behind the decision to curtail the strike was the yet-to-be-implemented law. The transport department, in turn, offered assurances to the association leaders that the government would take necessary actions to address their grievances.
The strike had a profound impact on daily commuters, particularly office-goers, who faced challenges reaching their workplaces due to the suspension of bus, taxi, and app-based cab services. The inconvenience was notably pronounced in major cities like Guwahati, where transportation came to a standstill.
The preceding day witnessed long queues at petrol pumps across Assam's cities as residents rushed to fill their fuel tanks amidst concerns of a potential supply crunch. The strike's ripple effects extended beyond just public transportation, affecting various aspects of daily life.
This industrial action was triggered by apprehensions surrounding the proposed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), slated to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The new legislation introduces stringent penalties for drivers involved in serious road accidents due to negligence. According to the proposed law, failure to promptly report such incidents to the police or administration could result in drivers facing up to 10 years in prison or a fine of Rs 7 lakh.
The decision to reduce the strike duration reflects a compromise between the commercial vehicle owners and the government, providing a temporary respite to the public. The assurance from the transport department suggests ongoing dialogues and potential resolutions to the concerns raised by the motor workers' association. As discussions continue, the looming changes in road accident laws add layer of significance to the ongoing developments in Assam's transportation sector.
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