Truckers call off strike after government assures to look into demands
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.
The eight-day long nation-wide truckers strike called by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) was called off on Friday after the government agreed to accept some of their demands, including the constitution of a high-level committee to look into the pending demands.
Trucks are seen off road during a strike by transporters, in Ludhiana. (HT Photo/Gurminder Singh)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
The decision to call off the strike, which began on July 20, was taken after discussions by the representatives of AIMTC with Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari and finance minister Piyush Goyal.
{{^usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Some of their pending demands include e-way bill implementation, GST related issues of the transport sector, simplifying the national permit rules for goods vehicles and increasing the validity of fitness certificates for vehicles.
Welcoming the AIMTC’s move, Gadkari tweeted that the government has constituted a high-level committee to look into the truckers demands. “We are sensitive to the transporters demand,” he tweeted.
The minister said that the transport sector plays a key role in the nation’s development and so the government has decided to make a special plan to provide health care facilities and insurance cover to drivers and their co-workers.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
“We will look into the feasibility of extending the coverage of Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana to the drivers and the co-workers of commercial vehicles,” Gadkari said.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
“We will look into the feasibility of extending the coverage of Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana to the drivers and the co-workers of commercial vehicles,” Gadkari said.
{{/usCountry}}
A joint statement by the government and AIMTC was issued after the strike was called off. The statement said that on the request of the government, the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India has agreed to discuss the demand to review the premium for third-party insurance for heavy vehicles.
A ministry official said the government had agreed to put up a mechanism to ensure seamless movement of vehicles across toll plaza in the next six months.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
