Essential goods to be spared from truckers' stir

The movement of essential commodities is likely to remain unaffected in the state during the indefinite strike called by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC).

The association has decided not to interrupt transportation of essential commodities like milk, fruits, vegetables, fuel and cattle feed.

"We have decided in our last meeting, that we will not disturb traffic carrying essential goods and commodities like milk, vegetables, petrol and diesel. We are protesting against the central government and we do not want to put the layman in trouble in the strike period," said Mukesh Dave, spokesperson for AIMTC, Gujarat.

"We are assuring the smooth traffic of essential goods, including water tankers. Our aim is to draw FM's attention by bringing industrial operations to a halt. "We hold the same position with regard to essential commodities as we did in the 1997 strike," said Mavji Dodia, president of Akhil Gujarat Truck Transport Association.

It is learnt that truck operators will carry raw milk but not milk products like ice-cream, milk powder and sweets.

Meanwhile, prices of vegetables and fruits have witnessed the sudden rise in the last three days in spite of the respite from the heavy rains witnessed over the past few days.

"The insufficient supply of the vegetables and fruits is responsible for the rise in prices. It has got nothing to do with the truck operators' call for the strike," said an office bearer of the Baroda Fruits and Vegetables Growers Association.

As per the directions of the truckers' apex body, transport operators will stop taking bookings from Friday if attempts by the AIMTC do not bring the desired results for the industry by August 20.