Kerala private bus operators to go on indefinite strike from Dec 1

Kochi, Nov 28 : Private bus owners in Kerala, will go on an indefinite strike from December 1, demanding fare hike and revision of student concession fare.

The decision to launch the strike was taken by leaders of the Bus Owners Association after failure of negotiations they had with state Transport Minister Jose Thettayil today.

Talking to reporters after the meeting with bus owners, Mr Thettayil said a decision on the fare hike could be taken only after a detailed discussion in the ruling Left front as it was a policy matter.

Since a case was pending before the High Court regarding the fare hike, the government cannot take a decision in a hurry, he pointed out.

He said revision of student concession fare could be decided only after meeting the student union leaders.

Bus owners association leaders told reporters that the joint committee had decided to go ahead with the strike as the state government had taken a 'negative' approach to all their demands.

--UNI