BENGALURU: The all India truckers strike, which entered its 8th day on Friday, was called off in the evening after talks between the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, led to some concessions being made by the Government.
The strike, which seemed set to intensify as repeated meetings with the Government had failed in the past, had severely affected industry across the country with losses of up to Rs. 10,000 crore per day estimated by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry for the state. According to a joint statement by The MoRTH and the AIMTC, the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI), on the request of the government, has agreed to discuss the demand for reviewing the premium for third party insurance for heavy vehicles and a meeting with the AIMTC will be held on Saturday to discuss the issue.
The MoRTH has also said that it would put in place a mechanism using technology-based solutions to ensure seamless movement of transport vehicles across toll plazas within 6 months. "The Government will look into the feasibility of extending coverage of Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana to the drivers and co-workers of commercial vehicles. The Government will also explore the possibility of providing health services under ESIC to the drivers and co-workers of commercial vehicles," the joint statement said.
A demand for national permit scheme for tourist vehicles has also been agreed to by the MoRTH and the government would also consider other demands including a uniform height for transport vehicles and the increase of a validity of fitness certificates to 2 years. "A high-level committee under the chairmanshop of Secretary, MoRTH to facilitate expeditious resolution of the demands of the transport fraternity including e-way bill implementation, GST related issues and other issues," the statement said. The committee would submit its recommendations within 3 months for consideration by the Government, the statement said. "In view of the above, on 27th July 2018, the agitation by the AIMTC stands withdrawn immediately," the statement said.