HYDERABAD: The transport industry will come to a standstill from April 8 with complete shutdown of bookings, loading and unloading of goods throughout the country as members of All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) will join the ongoing truck/lorry strike undertaken by the All India Confederation of Goods Vehicle Owner’s Association (AICGOA) and South India Motor Transport Association(SIMTA) since March 30. Protesters have called for a “Chakka Jam.”
The members of State Motor Transport Operators Association (SMTOA), affiliated to AIMTC, said three lakh vehicles including vehicles carrying essential commodities in TS will join strike from Saturday. The decision was taken after talks with Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) on April 3 failed. One of the major demands is pertaining to the third party insurance which was hiked by 40 pc this March.
Mohammed Khan, president, SMTOA, said, “Since 2002, the third party insurance premium of goods carrying vehicles of gross vehicle weight of over 20 tonnes has been increased by 800 pc. Our industry is the backbone of the economy and at the same time, is the most neglected sector.”
“Trucks have no amenities on highways. No subsidies or support from government. There are heavy penalties. And this after 56 per cent of the cost of each truck goes to the government as taxes,” said Khan.
Vimal Gupta, vice president, SMTOA, added, “There is no transparency in toll collection. There has been no constitution of inter-ministerial committee on our pending issues. We will not backout till our demands are met.”
State govt’s intervention sought
The associations have also demanded Telangana government’s intervention on the single permit counter signature issue. They have also asked for truck parking in all districts.