Talks yield results; Strike called in state by private bus owners withdrawn

KOZHIKODE: The strike decided to observe in the state by the private bus owners have been called off. The decision came after a discussion held by Transport Minister Antony Raju with the officials of the private bus owners joint committee. The government accepted the demand of the bus owners to retain the permits for a distance of more than 140 km. Meantime, the minister clarified that the decision to make seat belts mandatory for bus drivers will not be changed.

The government has clarified that they will take a decision after studying the Ravi Varman Commission report on the issue of students' concession. The government has also informed that they will re-examine the order issued by the government in the case of limited stop and ordinary buses. The private bus strike was announced in the state from November 21.