Bhubaneswar: Private bus operators in Odisha have warned of a statewide strike starting December 1 if the government goes ahead with its plan to give vehicle-checking powers to the police .

The Private Bus Owners’ Association has said it will halt operations across the state if the police are officially authorised to conduct motor vehicle inspections. Association secretary Debendra Sahu said the government’s move has raised serious concerns among bus operators, who fear unnecessary obstruction and penalties once these powers are given to the police.

Sahu recalled that similar powers were withdrawn almost four decades ago after the police informed the government that they were unable to handle the responsibility. Since then, motor vehicle checking has been carried out without the in

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