ASSAM: Transportion Hault; Assam bus drivers stages 48 hours strike in Assam effective from today.

[ Jankranti News (Assam) : The All Assam Day-Night Super Bus Drivers’ Union has announced a 48-hours (2 Days) suspension of the bus services across Assam.

This protest is a direct response to the Centre’s implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, concerning the stringent provisions for hit-and-run cases. The drivers’ union is demanding a change to the new law immediately within the next two to three days. Upon failing to make the change, the union have threatened to extend the strike.

The new law includes causing death by rash and negligent driving as a non-bailable offence and allowing for the arrest of the driver without a warrant or court permission. 

Rupam Dutta, an adviser of the union has expressed his concerns about the survival of drivers’ families. He also highlighted that the drivers are demotivated to continue their services under such conditions.

The transportion industry is already facing a driver shortage and now it is feared that these provisions would further discourage the drivers leading to shortage and potentially disrupting the supply chain. The union is therefore calling for a reconsideration of the legislation. 

The strike in Assam is set to take place on January 5th and 6th, 2024. If the government immediately does not address the union’s concern and revoke the act, the Driver Union has threatened to permanently close all commercial vehicles. 

This action of the union is expected to affect passenger and freight transportation not only in Assam but throughout the entire North East region.

The truck drivers have also been voicing their deep opposition against the new law on the hit-and-run case. This collective unrest among the transportion workers indicates the critical situation for the industry and potential implications on the economy and to the daily life in Assam and the entire North East region.

Arnab Sarma Report

M: 6000454417

Assam