- MTAC has postponed its planned indefinite strike for one week following high-level discussions with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
- The government appealed for a reconsideration of the protest to avoid economic disruption during the ongoing budget session and to ensure student movement is not hindered during school examinations.
- A joint meeting between transport associations and state officials will be convened within the week to address core grievances, including the e-challan system, taxation structures, and toll col
The Maharashtra transporters' indefinite strike, which was set to begin at midnight, has been deferred for a week as announced by the Maharashtra Transport Action Committee (MTAC) on Thursday evening.
The announcement comes after Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik requested MTAC to reconsider the strike, followed by a meeting with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday evening. As the budget session is ongoing, the transport minister requested a rethink on the agitation as it can impact the economy amidst the ongoing geopolitical situation. The deputy CM also appealed to the transporters via video to hold the protest.
Later in the evening, MTAC issued a statement which reads, “They have been informed that within the coming week a meeting will be organised between Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and representatives of the Maharashtra Transporters' Action Committee as well as various transport associations.”
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The statement added, “During the meeting, detailed discussions will be held on issues such as the e-challan system, toll collection, the taxation structure, and other pending demands of transporters, with an assurance that a positive solution will be worked out.”
Considering the ongoing school examinations, passenger movement in the state should not be further affected, the statement continued.
Sarnaik's office issued a statement that the transporters' associations across the state have decided to “withdraw” the statewide strike after the government assured a positive approach towards cancelling unfair e-challans. A joint meeting of the police and transport departments would soon be convened to resolve various issues faced by the sector.
“Discussions were held with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the strike called by transporters across the state,” the release added.
The government is sensitive to the various demands of transporters. A positive decision will be taken regarding e-challans issued in an unjust manner, the release stated.
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