10 Jan :Following is the text of the hand out distributed at the Press Conference addressed by the Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Thiru T.R. Baalu, here today: –
In view of the nation-wide strike by All India Motor Transport Congress with effect from 5th January, 2009, Government of India has formulated a suggestive Action Plan for the State Governments so as to deal with any eventuality arising out of the Transporters’ Strike. This action plan/advisory has been communicated to the State Governments through letters dated 3rd, 5th & 9th January, 2009. Highlights of the action plan, which is already under implementation by various States/UTs are as follows:-
Ø To declare transport services as essential service under Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) / other similar Act.
Ø To setup Control Rooms & Special Task Force for round the clock monitoring.
Ø To allow use of transport vehicles within the State for carrying essential commodities without the requirement of a permit.
Ø To allow free flow of goods across inter-state borders by giving temporary inter-state permits for 7/15 days.
Ø To suspend or revoke the permit of strikers under Section 86 (e) of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Ø To persuade transporters to move lorries for movement of essential goods.
Ø To involve local traders/businessmen through pooled vehicles etc. for movement of essential commodities.
Ø To allow Stage Carriage Permit and Contract Carriage Permit buses including those of State Transport Undertakings to carry goods.
Ø To take steps to prevent hoarding and for maintenance of quality of the essential commodities.
Ø To requisition trucks / lorries for movement of essential goods and services.
Ø To instruct State Transport Undertakings (STUs) to operationalise their fleet in full strength.
Ø STUs to keep their workshop / maintenance facilities fully geared for emergency breakdowns.
Ø To identify pool of drivers to be engaged in case vehicles are requisitioned for supply of essential commodities.
Ø To provide police protection in sensitive areas.
Ø To provide police protection to prevent any disruption in the movement of goods.
Ø To keep close watch on movement of petroleum products and LPG.
Ø All assistance to Railways for expeditious loading / unloading of essential goods.