MIXED RESPONSE TO TRUCKERS' CALL
FOR STRIKE
The response to the truckers’
call for strike has been mixed as per information available. No
untoward incident has been reported so far. All States have informed
that availability of essential commodities has not been affected.
The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) had threatened
to launch Chakka Jam at 0600 hours from 14th April
2003 in support of their demands.
The Ministry of Road Transport
and Highways had invited AIMTC for discussions on 7th
April 2003 and again on 11th April 2003. In the course
of these meetings, steps already taken by the Government in respect
of the various issues raised by AIMTC in their Charter of Demands
were communicated.
The position with regard to
some of the major demands raised by AIMTC is:
- The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas is willing to consider fixation of price on a quarterly
basis subject to a variation not exceeding 25 paise.
- A draft Bill to replace the Carriers
Act, 1865 is already on the anvil.
- The question of refusal of insurance
companies for taking up Third Party Insurance as also the
question of loading of premium at the time of renewal beyond
100% in the event of vehicle being involved in an accident
was taken up with the Department of Economic Affairs who have
informed that complaints regarding excess loading of Third
Party premium are being attended to. Such complaints have
now come down substantially. They have also agreed to investigate
specific complaints of violation of guidelines of IRDA and
promised appropriate action against those found guilty of
such violations.
- The States that have allegedly legitimized
overloading through issue of special tokens / passes etc.,
have been informed that such action is against the provisions
of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The States have also been informed
that in case issue of such passes / tokens is continued, release
of grants under Central Road Fund Scheme could be denied to
them by the Central Government.
