Odisha Bus Owners’ Body Demands Tax Waiver, Threatens To Stop Services

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Bus Owners’ Association has threatened to stop bus service over non-fulfilment of their demands.

A decision to this effect was taken after the executive meeting of the association on Thursday.

“Since the bus owners have sustained huge losses due to the non-plying of buses in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government should provide them with a yearly interest-free loan of Rs one lakh,” an association member said.

The other demands include financial assistance of Rs 5000 to each staffer along with a monthly ration to run their family and waiver of vehicle tax for the month of July, August and September.

Notably, the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTCC) had resumed buses services on 43 routes from July 6. The services were halted due to the COVID-induced lockdown in the state since May 5.