Chhattisgarh govt likely to invoke ESMA against truckers

After Gujarat, the Chhattisgarh government is now considering invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against striking truckers' as their nationwide agitation entered the fifth day on Friday.

After Gujarat, the Chhattisgarh government is now considering invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against striking truckers' as their nationwide agitation entered the fifth day on Friday. "We are considering imposing ESMA against the truck operators. Simultaneously, we have also started giving notices to truck owners about withdrawing their road permits if they continue the strike," state Home and Transport Principal Secretary N K Aswal told PTI in Chattisgarh.

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Aswal said that even though issues raised by truckers were to be addressed by the Centre, the state government was acting against transporters due to the scarcity of essential commodities arising out of the five-day long strike. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Truck Owners Association (CTOA) President Rajindersingh Benipal said they strike would continue to support the strike till the All India Truckers' Association called it off.

"We are not concerned if the government imposes ESMA on us or not. Even if the government acts against us, we will continue the strike," Benipal said.