Farmers Movement Archive

Bharat bandh may hit transport services

PATNA: The nationwide strike called by the farmers on Tuesday in protest against the three new farm laws passed by the Centre, is set to affect consumer services across several sectors in the state. The strike is likely to disrupt public transport as auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw, private buses and taxi unions have decided to join the Bharat Bandh call in support of farmers. It would be difficult for passengers expecting to catch flights and trains on December 8, especially people coming from other districts to Patna airport and railway station. Raj Kumar Jha, general secretary of All India Road Transport Workers Federation-Bihar said auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw, truck, bus or minibus and tractor drivers would join the strike across Bihar. “We are all children of farmers, and this fight is against anti-farmer policies. We all sympathise with farmers struggle and support their demand,” he said He added, “The Centre has implemented changes in motor vehicles act, to mint money. Now, they are targeting labourers and farmers for their gains.” Banking services may also be affected as employees and customers would find it difficult to reach the bank branches. Anirudh Kumar, general secretary of Bihar Provincial Bank Employees Association, told this newspaper on Monday that internal banking operations would not be affected due to the protest. “We are apprehending that cash transaction (deposits and withdrawals) and loan services would be badly affected due to transport obstruction and blockages on roads. The bank employees may also fail to report for duty and customers would fear to come out because of the strike,” Kumar said adding, the bank employees are not protesting, but are morally supporting the protest. As the transport services would remain off the roads, the supply of essential commodities like milk, food grains, vegetables and fruits would be affected during the Bharat Bandh. Shops in the city may also remain closed during the protest to avoid any untoward situation. Ram Lal Khetan, president of Bihar Industries Association, said businesses might get affected due to the strike as customers would avoid going out. “Shops may remain closed during the protest as several political outfits have joined the protest,” he said. People who are travelling are dreading that they may miss their train and flight due to roadblocks and non-availability of transportation. Amandeep Kumar, who is travelling to Bengaluru on Tuesday, said he tried to reschedule his booking with the airlines, but no flights were available this week. “Now, I have to catch this flight. I have to start early to reach the airport,” he said.

The Times of India

2020-12-08

Patna