GUWAHATI, Oct 8 - The All Assam Motor Transport Association (AAMTA) has withdrawn the indefinite chakka bandh after the government allowed all modes of public transports to operate with full passenger capacity.
The AAMTA had called the bandh on Monday demanding fare hike for commercial vehicles, waiver of quarter tax and road tax reduction up to 50 per cent, among others.
AAMTA secretary general Pradip Das said that they have decided to call off the strike from 6 pm today after the government agreed on allowing public transport to operate with 100 per cent seat capacity, which was one of the major demands of the association.
The association had stated that it would continue to operate with the existing fare chart if the government agrees to allow the public transport to operate with 100 per cent passenger capacity.
�We will discuss our other demands with the transport department in a phased manner,� Das said, while reiterating that there would not be any hike in bus fare.
Issuing an order, the Department of Health and Family Welfare also agreed to the request of transport department to allow 100 per cent seating of passengers as per capacity in case of all public transport in the State.
A PIL was filed at the Gauhati High Court on Wednesday for declaring the strike as illegal and for taking appropriate steps by government under the Essential Services Maintenance (Assam) Act. The High Court has directed the government to take all necessary steps under the law to stop the strike.
The health department order, however, maintained that no vehicle will be allowed to carry passengers more than the allotted seating capacity. Further, no passengers will be allowed to travel standing in the vehicle and the passengers will have to wear masks all the time while on board. The transport department, it said, will take strict action in case of any violation.
Further, the owners of the vehicles will have to ensure the availability of sanitizer in the vehicle. The vehicle will be sanitized after every completion of a journey on a particular route. The driver and other staff will wear masks at all times in the vehicle.
