Transport unions oppose hike in taxes, penalties

Kakinada: Seeking the abolishment of increased taxes and penalties, the drivers and owners of transport unions led by the CITU staged a dharna at the Collectorate here on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, they alleged that the price of a liter’s diesel was Rs 70 even though the prices of crude oil at the international level were diminishing. The government had increased taxes and penalties in the name of amendments in the motor vehicle act.

They informed that they were paying thousands of rupees towards tax when they move towards Hyderabad and Bhadrachalam. They demanded that the government lift the taxes when their vehicle enters into Telangana State. They urged the government to implement welfare schemes to all the drivers in the transport sector. Later, they submitted a memorandum to the district Collector. CPM activist Palivela Veera Babu, MV Ramana, V Srinivasa Rao, K Sathi Babu and others participated.