A series of Chakka Bandh(Transport Strike) in Assam has been called by the Transport Workers’ Unions demanding implementation of the welfare scheme for the private transport workers proposed by the Assam government.

A 24-hour chakka bandh has been called on January 27 (Wednesday), 2021, and a 48-hour chakka bandh has been scheduled on February 12-13 during the Assam Assembly session.

Warning of a chakka bandh for 72 hours has been given from February 25-27, 2021 if the Assam Government fails to meet the transport union’s demands.

The transport workers unions includes the All India Road Transport Workers’ Federation, Sadou Asom Motor Shramik Jutiya Parishad, Co-ordination Committee of Cab Operators, Assam Petroleum Masdoor Union and North East Heavy Goods Driver and Owners Welfare Association.

The other unions which have called for the chakka bandh include Indian National Road Transport Workers Federation, All Assam Joint Motor Shramik Union, All Assam Drivers’ Union, All Assam Cab Operators Union and Travellers’ Association.

Demand for withdrawal of the anti-farmer agriculture laws was also made by the transport workers’ union.
The unions in a joint statement said, “That means, the government has not recognized the service of motor transport workers. Rather it has become a habit of harassing them through new rules and regulations”.

The vehicular traffic was on a halt in Assam for 7 months due to the lockdown.

“But the government did not provide any aid to the motor transport drivers and workers. The government is also not ready to waive off the tax of the transport vehicles which it had stopped from moving,” the statement said.

“Even after unlocking of vehicles, the passenger vehicles are not allowed to go to various states including Meghalaya from Assam,” it said, adding, “In the name of coronavirus, the Meghalaya government has been harassing the passenger vehicle drivers and its passengers.”

“Even after repeated appeals and agitation, the district administration has not set up a free coronavirus testing centre at Khanapara,” it said, adding, “Therefore, the tourist vehicles have failed to move.”

Incentives of the Ola-Ober cars are unpaid, adding to it 30% of their commissions were deducted, the statement said.

They alleged that the administration have harassed the owners, drivers and workers of transport vehicles including city buses, trucks, share taxis, trucks, buses, tankers, cabs, auto-rickshaws, vans, e-rickshaws, light & heavy vehicles running in Guwahati and other districts.

To find a solution to the problems the unions have requested the commuters to support them.