WON’T REVOKE BAN ON TRUCK UNIONS, SAYS CAPTAIN

CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh has ruled out a roll back of the government decision to ban truck unions in the state. However, the views of all stakeholders will be considered before the final notification is issued, he added.

The chief minister told a delegation of representatives of various truck unions that the interests of the truckers would be protected and the views of the unions would be taken before fixing freight and other rates.

Amarinder allayed their fears that big truck operators from other states would take over the business.

“All possible safeguards will be incorporated in the new industrial policy that the department is drafting. The new policy will address the apprehensions of the truckers and other stakeholders,” he added.

The government would ensure that no small truck owner is harmed or loses money as a result of the policy change, Amarinder said, categorically rejecting a demand for withdrawing the decision to ban truck unions in the state. “Due to the (truck) unions, industries have been scared of coming to Punjab. The government is committed to promote the state’s industrial development,” said the chief minister.

Earlier, talking to mediapersons after casting his vote for the presidential elections, the CM said the government had taken the decision to ban unions to save the industry, transportation of food grain and, above all, to strengthen Punjab’s economy.

The government had not taken an arbitrary decision and there were three judgments of the high court, asking the state government to take tangible steps to break truck unions’ monopoly for the larger good of the society, he added.

There are three judgments of the HC, asking the state govt to take tangible steps to break the truck unions’ monopoly for the larger good of the society. CAPTAIN AMARINDER SINGH, Punjab chief minister