Transport Minister GS Bali asked private bus operators to call off their proposed strike call for August 26 in view of the fact that the Assembly was in session and their genuine demands would be considered sympathetically by the government.

In a press conference at Shimla, Transport Minister said the government would consider the private bus operators’ genuine demands, including the one for hike in bus fare.

The private bus operators are demanding that the minimum fare be fixed at Rs 5 and bus fares be enhanced by almost 40 per cent. They have given an ultimatum to the government to accept their demands or else they will observe strike on August 26, all over the state.