Panaji, Jan 6(TNN): Condemning the anti-labour policies promoted by the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, the Joint Committee of Trade Unions (JCTU) will launch a two-day nation-wide protest on January 8 and 9.

Trade unions across the country are, therefore, gearing up to participate in the nationwide strike. Private bus owners in Goa are particularly unhappy with the implementation of High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) on buses, besides other issues.

“Obtaining HSRP is not economical for private bus owners since its insurance goes up to Rs 80,000 for some buses. There is no point in these plates if there is no infrastructure in place to detect them,” said president, All Goan Stage Carriers' Association, Sudesh Kalangutkar. He further added that the private bus owners will have a discussion with taxi associations in the state to join them in the strike.

Private buses in the state have threatened to suspend operations on January 9 as part of a nation-wide strike against the government’s anti-labour policies.

“We are participating in the strike to protest against the transport bill. We have 29 demands pending with the Goa government and the directorate of transport is not doing anything to resolve our issues, which is why we have decided to participate in this strike,” said president, All Goa Private Bus Owners’ Association, Sudeep Tamankar.