Truck operators to begin indefinite strike in delta

Trichy: The state lorry owners federation has announced an indefinite truck strike in five delta districts starting Feb 16 following lack of response from the state govt in relaxing the recent hike in renewal fees for heavy vehicle fitness certificates. Truck movements carrying paddy from direct procurement centres to warehouses are on verge of getting affected.On Feb 12, truck owners held a one-day strike in Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai districts. They submitted petitions to the respective district collectors, while state representatives presented demands to various secretaries in Chennai. They urged the state govt to either withdraw or relax the fees hiked by the Union govt for heavy vehicle fitness certificates."Despite submitting petitions to officials, the state govt has not relaxed the renewal fees for heavy vehicle fitness certificates. Therefore, we are commencing an indefinite statewide strike, beginning in the delta districts on Feb 16," C Dhanaraj, president of the federation announced on Saturday.The Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) is currently procuring paddy from farmers at direct procurement centres (DPCs) for samba and thaladi crop seasons. The procured paddy is being transported in trucks to warehouses, open storage points, hulling mills, and train wagons.The upcoming strike is expected to hamper the daily transport of paddy, including 10,000 tonnes in Thanjavur, 8,000 tonnes in Tiruvarur, 3,000 tonnes in Mayiladuthurai, 2,000 tonnes in Nagapattinam, and 1,000 tonnes in Trichy.