Caught between pipms and law Uzbek escorts lead a slave’s life

MUMBAI: Transporters association leader Bal Malkit Singh will meet Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan along with a delegation this afternoon to demand withdrawal of the escort charges for truckers across the state. It was following the intervention of the CM that Singh had withdrawn his call for a chakka jam from today. He has now deferred the agitation by a month. “The issue of abolishment of escort fees had been agreed in principle by state ministers and senior officials. It was reiterated in yesterday’s meeting with transport minister. The government has requested for one month’s time to resolve the issue and we have agreed. As a late night development we have received communication from the CM’s office asking for deferment of the proposed statewide chakkajam and inviting our delegation for a meeting tomorrow. After due consideration of the new developments and concrete written promise by the government, wehave taken the decision to give one more month to the government”, said Singh. Apparently, the government had threatened to book those going on strike under Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA).