Ruchika M Khanna
Chandigarh, April 23
The Punjab government is expected to make a big announcement on Saturday, giving financial relief to transporters.
Other than the financial relief, announcement of a level-playing field for all public bus operators, too, is expected.
Certain private transport companies, owned by politicians, get more time to pick up passengers, thus allowing them to have more passengers. Sources in the private transporters say while these “favoured” transport companies get 8-10 minutes at a stop, others get just two to three minutes.
The private transporters, who have had a few meetings with the new AAP government, have been demanding that the Motor Vehicle Tax (MVT) of Rs 2.54 per km be reduced.
They have also reportedly told Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar that they are ready to allow free travel for women (just as state-run buses), provided the government compensate them for it.
Sources in the government say the cab and auto-rickshaw drivers, too, could be a part of the government relief plan, to be announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday.
Punjab govt likely to give financial relief to transporters today
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