Truckers call off strike after Centre assures to look into demands

Bhubaneswar: Almost eight days after their nationwide strike, the  All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) called off their protest after the government on Friday agreed to consider their demands.

Welcoming the decision, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said the government was "sensitive" to the demands of the transporters.

As per the joint statement issued, Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) agreed to the demand of review of premium for third party insurance for heavy vehicle. Besides, the government has agreed to devise a mechanism for seamless movement of transport vehicles across toll plazas.

Also, the government will explore possibility of extending health benefits under ESIC to the drivers and co-workers of the commercial vehicles and notify National Permit Scheme for tourist vehicles.

The government also plans to extend coverage of Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana to the drivers and co-workers of the commercial vehicles.

The high level committee will look into issues such as E-way Bill implementation, GST related issues of the transport sector, rationalisation/ abolition of TDS rates, rationalisation of rates for presumptive tax on transport vehicles, seamless travel across the state borders and highways, Direct Port Delivery.

Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal and AIMTC President S.K. Mittal were among those present in the discussion.

Transportation services to and from ports, refineries and industrial units have been stopped from July 20.

The AIMTC had demanded that diesel be brought under the ambit of GST and tax structures like the e-way bill should be simplified.

The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), which claims the support of 93 lakh truckers, had gone on an indefinite strike demanding reduction in diesel prices, among others, from July 20.

(Photo Source- The Indian Express)