Kolkata, Mar 31: The Progressive Taximen's Union along with other taxi associations in the metropolis today threatened an indefinite strike if the government did not accept their demands, including restoration of excise duty on vehicles. President of the union Madan Mitra told newsmen here that they were not in a position to operate taxis in the metropolis due to huge losses. He said that individual car owners benefitted due to reduction in excise duty, but unemployed youth who received a rebate of Rs 40,000 after purchasing a taxi, were affected due to the decision by the Centre. They were now getting much less due to reduction in excise duty. He demanded that the excise duty should be restored and sales tax be reduced by 50 per cent, besides reduction in road tax.
He said that unless their demands were met immediately, taxi associations would resort to an indefinite strike after the H S examination, which begins from tomorrow. He said that Bengal Taxi Association, Calcutta Taxi Association, United Taxi Association besides Joint Council of Luxury Taxi Association would also join the strike if the demands were not met.
Bureau Report