Truckers announce end of syndicate

KATHMANDU, Jan 12: Bowing to pressure from all quarters, Seti-Mahakali Truck Operators´ Association (SMTOA) that had been practicing syndicate in the far-western region on Wednesday announced to end all forms of syndicate and that truckers can carry goods without any hindrance.



Reintroduction of syndicate in mid and far western region had not only jacked up the price of commodities but also affected industries that were forced to curtail production due to limited mobility of goods.[break]



“I hereby direct all our members that there must not be any form of syndicate in transportation of goods. If our members are found creating hassles to any truck operator, they will be punished,” Upendra Bista, president of the association, told Republica on Wednesday.



The association is organizing a press meet on Thursday to formally announce the end of all forms of syndicate system in the region, paving the way for competition in delivery of goods.



Bista said they had fixed transport fare on Dhangadhi-Kathmandu route to Rs 270 per quintal from Rs 240 pr quintal. “We are ready to face any legal action if any of our members are found violating existing laws by imposing syndicate in transportation of goods,” Bista added.



The Vehicles and Transport Management Act and Competition Promotion and Market Protection Act strictly prohibit any form of system that discourages competition and encourage syndicate in the market.



Narayan Bidari, chief district officer of Kailali district, said the local administration has already mobilize police teams to book those found involved in practicing syndicate system in the region.



Amid huge pressure from business community, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday had directed the Kailali District Administration Office to immediately end the syndicate system.



"I have clearly directed the police to immediately arrest those involved in intimidating truckers that defy the syndicate system,” Bidari added.



Dinesh Bhandari, president of Kailali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) that has been spearheading the campaign against the syndicate system, said the implementation of the decision would be difficult given the track record of the association members.



In the past also, the association members had continued to intimidate truckers despite announcing the end of syndicate system.

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