Ahmedabad: The operators of private school vans and rickshaws launched a statewide strike today against delays in obtaining vehicle fitness certificates and permits. In response, the transport department has announced plans to intensify its crackdown on vehicles operating without valid certificates and permits.

Approximately 80,000 school vans and rickshaws, including 15,000 in Ahmedabad, have been pulled from service starting this morning. The school van and rickshaw association has requested a three-month extension to obtain the necessary permits. They also seek the removal of the 20 km/h speed limit and an exemption from using meters.

Dharmendra Brahmbhatt, president of the Ahmedabad School Vardhi Association, stated that permits have not been issued for about a year. “The transport department claims it will conduct surprise inspections but hasn’t been issuing permits. We are reasonably requesting more time to secure the permits,” he said.

Meanwhile, it is learned that the transport department is emphasizing that there will be no compromise on student safety and has labeled the demands as “completely unacceptable.”

The strike has become inconvenient for students and parents, with long lines and congestion outside schools. DeshGujarat