Question : STRIKE BY TRANSPORT OPERATORS



(a) whether the transport operators had gone on a strike in the country recently;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the demands set forth by the operators; and

(c) the action taken by the Government in this regard?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS(SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) Transporters under the banner of All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) went on a nationwide strike w.e.f 5.1.09 to 12.1.09. The demands of the transporters include reduction of diesel prices, reduction in tyre prices, moratorium on instalments and waiver of interest on truck finance for atleast six months, moratorium on toll for six months, seamless movement of all vehicles without state/national permit and related taxes, abolition of service tax, exemption of limit for paying cash to the transporters, non deduction of tax (TDS) from payment freight etc.

(c) Consequent upon the signing of an agreement with this Department, AIMTC withdrew their strike unconditionally effective from the evening of 12.1.09.As per the agreement,the Government has set up a Committee under the chairmanship of Secretary (Road Transport & Highways) to look into the issues relating to National Permit system and rationalization of taxes on motor vehicles.