Transport workers across Assam will go on a 24-hour strike from 5 AM on July 9, disrupting buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. The strike protests steep fines under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, and the Hit-and-Run clause (106(2)) of the new criminal code.
Why Are Assam Transport Workers Calling a Bandh?
Transport unions say the MV Act’s heavy fines and criminal penalties treat drivers unfairly. They argue that new laws hold workers criminally liable for accidents even before investigations begin.
Protest Highlights:
- Harsh fines under the amended MV Act
- Clause 106(2) penalizes drivers in hit-and-run cases
- No prior consultation with transport unions
- Lack of safety nets like legal aid or insurance
“Drivers are not criminals. The government must protect us, not punish us,” said a union leader in Guwahati.
What Will Be Affected on July 9?
The Assam transport workers bandh will halt most forms of public and private road transport:
- City and inter-district buses, including ASTC services
- App-based taxis (Ola, Uber)
- Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws
- Freight and logistics services
Only essential services like ambulances and fire brigades will run. Officials have asked residents to limit travel unless necessary.
What Is Clause 106(2) of the Hit-and-Run Law?
Clause 106(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) imposes up to 10 years in jail and ₹7 lakh in fines on drivers who flee accident scenes involving deaths.
The clause aims to deter reckless driving. However, workers say it criminalizes accidental drivers and encourages mob violence or panic-driven escapes.
Want to learn more? Read Clause 106(2) breakdown by PRS India
What Are the Workers Demanding?
Unions are calling for:
- Repeal or amendment of Clause 106(2)
- Reduced fines in the MV (Amendment) Act
- A legal protection system for drivers
- Union involvement in future traffic law reforms
Groups like AITUC and CITU support the strike. They say the protest reflects a larger issue of how policies ignore the realities of informal workers.
Government’s Response and Public Impact
The Assam Transport Department has requested workers to cancel the bandh. Authorities argue the strike could disrupt schools, emergency services, and essential supplies. So far, unions have refused to withdraw.
Police have set up emergency transport lines in major towns. They also promised action against anyone blocking roads or harming public property.
Follow updates from Assam Police for real-time alerts.
Prepare for Disruptions and Stay Informed
The Assam transport workers bandh on July 9 will affect thousands of daily commuters. Whether you use buses, autos, or taxis—plan ahead. If you’re a student, worker, or traveler, check local updates before heading out.
This protest raises crucial questions about driver rights, road safety, and policy fairness. It also signals the growing pushback from India’s informal workforce against harsh reforms.
READ MORE: Eastern Air Command Arunachal: Chief, Guv Discuss Security