All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), an apex body of Transporters – (both Cargo and Passenger) serving the industry from last 76 years, representing approx. 75 lacs Truckers & Transporters and approx. 40 lacs Bus & Tourist Operators, is peeved at the worst scenario of the trade in the History of independent India. This industry continues to bleed on all accounts and the Government’s lackadaisical and callous approach to our long pending issues is brewing all out resentment among the members.
With every single bout on the belly of the common man the economy is sliding backwards. The decisions that are portrayed foresighted have turned myopic. There is the greatest dampening effect not only on this sector but also in the kitchen of the Common Man of India.
The road transport industry of India is one of the worst affected a lot due to ever increasing adversities from all quarters. A plethora of contentious issues affect the Road Transport Sector viz., Recent Exorbitant Hike in Third Party Premium, Issues on Toll,Carriage by Road Act / Rules, National Permit for Buses, De-control of Diesel Prices and its increase in small doses, Anti-dumping duty on import of Tyres etc. There is heightened concern over the deteriorating condition of the transporters coupled with double whammy of Corruption and Taxation that are impinging on their very survival.
The Emergent Managing Committee meeting is called today with members from across the country coming to the commercial capital of India to take a call on the present scenario and future course of action. The corporate world must take a note of our plight and use their influence to guide the government in the interest of the industry and the nation.
AIMTC condemn and deplore recent unilateral hiking of Third Party Insurance Premiums to the tune of 107% for Goods Vehicles based on the estimates and without any consultations with the stakeholders.
All India Motor Transport Congress vehemently protest against protest against Arbitrary, Unjustified & Unilateral Third Party Premium Hike in TP premium that is beyond the reach of poor commercial vehicle owners and is not acceptable.
The diesel is highest input cost in running of vehicles, and most of the work is contractual in nature. The decontrol regime will result in frequent fluctuation in diesel prices which would be beyond the reach of poor commercial vehicle owners to absorb. A correction in freight is highly unlikely due to sudden fluctuation in the diesel price due to contractual obligations. The commercial vehicles segment, who work under contractual obligations, are worst affected by this change that will result in frequent hike of diesel prices and on the face of it is not acceptable.
Toll Issue is yet another problem that is taking demonic proportions and eating into thin margins of the poor truckers. We have asked for the “Toll Permit for the Commercial Vehicles especially those having National Permit. But the Govt. is not taking it on a serious note.
We the road transport sector will not be able to absorb such hike when it is difficult to make two end meet due to ever increasing prices of diesel, tyre, Insurance, Toll, Spare parts, labour charges, penalties as well as the quantum of money extorted by corrupt officials of RTO, Police and Commercial Tax department. It is throttling the lifeline of this sector.
We have been trying to engage the Government with a very constructive and positive approach for the growth and development of our road transport sector and resolve the pending issues, which are affecting adversely to the road transport sector. But now it seems that the trade cannot over-bend itself. The transport trade has already become financially unviable and it is yet burdened with regressive policies by the Government.
The following list of demands is put forth to the Government vide resolution passed in the Emergent Meeting to resolve them without mincing words or playing diplomatic games as the case today is of survival of 12 crore people engaged in this sector.
1) Industry Status for Road Transport Sector.
2) Immediate withdrawal of Unilateral hike of Third Party Insurance Premium for Goods Vehicles w.e.f April 1, 2013.
3) Immediate implementation of Toll Permit on the lines of National Permit.
4) Fixation of minimum freight rates for Road Transport Sector.
5) Removal of monthly increase of Diesel Prices, turn to Half Yearly Mode. Demand for Uniformity of Diesel prices across the country
6) National Permit for Buses should be implemented immediately on lines for Goods Vehicles.
7) Action against States indulging in Illegal Entry tax / Mechanical tax.
8) Sales Tax / Commercial Tax Issues: Onus of any Sales Tax Issues to be on Consignor /Trader. Trucks must not be detained anywhere in the country.
9) Centralization of RC Book on the lines of Passport System.
10) Standardization of Documents be done across the country.
11) Anti-Dumping Duty on Import of Tyres.
12) The reservations of the Road Transport Sector on Carriage by Road Act/Rules be addressed immediately.
Multiple taxation, multiple laws, and rampant corruption is eating away this sector. Moreover, our nodal Ministry too is more engrossed in road development rather than considering the basic issues which does not call for many inputs and could be resolved by a stroke of a pen.
We have been pushed to the WALL and there is tsunami of strong sentiments of resentment among the transport community across the country against the unjust and indifferent treatment meted out to people working in this sector. It has been resolved at the Emergent Managing Committee held in the “Commercial Capital” of India that if the Government does not resolve our issues by 30 March 2013, then all operations of trucking and transportation would be suspended indefinitely nationwide from midnight of April 1, 2013. The essential items, like fruits, vegetables and medicines is being kept out of this operation in solidarity with the “Common Man” community, of which 12 crores people associated with this trade are also a part, who is also sailing in the same boat and facing inflationary pressure arising out of the apathy of “Multinationals friendly” Government.
We, therefore, appeal to the members of country’s print & electronic media to support the just cause of not only Road Transport fraternity but also the GENERAL ROAD USERS, which is adversely affected by retrograde policies formulated by the Government of India and highlight the discriminatory attitude of the government towards the trucking industry.