Symbiosis launches anti-drug campaign

Marking the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, Symbiosis International University (SIU) on Tuesday, June 24, launched a year-long anti-drug initiative 'VIHAAN', focused on promoting a healthy, substance-free campus environment.

- Dheeraj Bengrut

PUNE/MUMBAI: Road transport operators have threatened to go on an indefinite strike starting on July 1 if their demands regarding e-challans, fines, cleanliness regulations, and entry restrictions in metropolitan cities are not met by June 30.

The strike, likely to impact school buses, employee bus services, intra-state buses, truck operators, and other road services, could bring the state's road movement of goods and passengers to a halt.

Stating their issues, transporters said that they are forced to pay penalties and e-challans while the vehicles are on duty, which causes delays and affects their schedule and punctuality.

Speaking about the protest, Baba Shinde, president of the Maharashtra drivers-owners and representatives federation said, "If the state government fails to meet our demands by July 1, we will begin an indefinite chakka jam across Maharashtra from July 2. This decision was taken unanimously during the meeting."

They sought a waiver of the existing fines, and demanded the removal of the rule which mandates the presence of a helper in heavy vehicles.