Dera Bassi MLA NK Sharma supports truckers

Dera Bassi, January 10

Local MLA NK Sharma today came in support of the protesting trucker unions. He stated the Shiromani Akali Dal-BSP alliance would solve the problems faced by the transporters after the formation of the SAD-BSP government in the state.

Sharma said a Transport Welfare Board would be set up with a fund of Rs25 crore. It would formulate policies for the welfare of transporters. The transporters’ unions would be reinstated.

The truckers are demanding the restoration of unions that were dissolved by the Congress government in 2017. The union members, who have been on protest since the start of December 2021, said they were in dire straits as there were no official rates and the annual hike of 5-6 per cent was also not being implemented.

Sharma said coordination committees would be set up to safeguard the interests of trade and industry. “A one-time settlement scheme for payment of taxes and arrears will be implemented. All transport policies would be formulated in consultation with the unions,” he said. Accidental, health insurance facility up to Rs10 lakh would also be provided. — TNS