Octroi abolition brings multiple trouble in Ludhiana

The abolition of octroi in Punjab from September 1 onwards has not only decreased the revenue of the Municipal Corporations, it has also affected the business of dhabas and small shops near octroi posts.

All dhabas, which had strategically mushroomed near octroi posts to attract truckers, wore a deserted look today. Prior September 1, a majority of truckers stopped there to deposit octroi and to have meals. They also bought things for daily consumption like tooth paste and bathing soaps. But these days, not many of them stop there.

"With the abolition of octroi, 75 per cent of our business will be affected," said a dhaba-owner of the region while speaking to Business Standard.

Another dhaba owner on Ferozepur Road said, "For the last 15 years, I have been doing business here. I have set up this business near the post eyeing truckers, who used to halt at the place to deposit octroi. In the meantime, they would have tea or meals at my dhaba. But, now that the octroi has been done away with, they will not halt here."

"Earlier, other dhabawalas used to envy the location of my outlet, but now I am also like them. We have served only 15 guests since morning. Before September 1, on an average there used to be around 100 persons having food here," he added.

Another person running a tyre repair shop on the GT-Jalandhar Road said he used to earn Rs 200 by the end of the day. "But, today I could make only Rs 25. How will it work? How will I take care of my family," he asked.

Some labourers, who used to earn their livelihood by unloading goods from trucks, were also among the unhappy lot. They said they had been standing outside the post throughout the day, but not even a single truck stopped for hiring their services.

However, the development left the truck drivers satisfied. They said there were no hassles now. "Instead of paying money, it was the treatment and harassment that used to affect us. Now, there is no one stopping us," told a truck driver.