Discussions fail; Private bus owners in Kerala to go on indefinite strike

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Private bus owners are preparing for an indefinite strike in the state. The move comes after the state government failed to accept various demands, including an increase in student ticket fares. It is reported that the date of the strike will be announced in two days.

Bus owners had earlier gone on a strike, raising various demands. It is reported that there is no possibility of a further government-level discussion based on the demands of the bus owners.

The indefinite strike was planned from July 22, but had to be postponed following the demise of former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan. Even before that, ministerial discussions and talks with the Transport Secretary were held. In the discussions, the minister promised to consider the demand to raise student ticket fares after contemplating the matter with student organisations.

The bus owners decided to conduct an indefinite strike after the poor results from talks held on Tuesday between student organisation representatives, bus owners and the Transport Secretary.