Protesting transport policy, pvt bus operators vow not to pay tax
Sunday, 27/07/2014
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140727/punjab.htm#9
Bathinda :The private and mini-bus operators of the state today said they would not pay motor vehicle taxes, protesting the biased approach of the state government. They declared that they would not ply buses on Independence Day.
The operators, who run 7,200 buses daily, alleged the government’s transport policy was unfair and in favour of a bus firm owned by the Badal family. They alleged even Regional Transport Officers (RTO), who set the time tables, were helpless as the close aides of the Badal family set these.
General secretary of private bus operators’ association RS Bajwa said for the first time in the country, the tax on luxury buses was less as compared to ordinary buses. He said most luxury buses in the state were run by a company owned by the Badal family directly or indirectly.
Bajwa alleged the transport industry in the state was facing huge losses due to unfavorable policies of the state government. “The motor vehicle tax that was Rs 2.25 per km earlier has been hiked to Rs 3.13 per km. Even the quarterly tax on mini-buses has been raised from Rs 7,500 to Rs 12,500,” he said.
