Transporters decided to call off their strike after the government promised a review of several issues, including those related to third-party insurance, the e-way bill and other matters pertaining to GST implementation. The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), which claims the support of 93 lakh truckers, had gone on an indefinite strike from July 20. In a joint statement, the road ministry and the AIMTC stated that insurance regulator IRDA will hold a meeting with transporters to review issues related to third-party insurance. The government will consider removing the need to have two drivers in a commercial vehicle, while also considering the feasibility of extending the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Suraksha Yojana to drivers and co-workers of commercial vehicles.
“With regards to the e-way bill, it agreed in principle to have distinction in the treatment of occasional clerical errors and evasion. For errors, nominal fines should be levied,” it said. The government will notify a national permit scheme for tourist vehicles. A high-level committee headed by Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport, with representatives from Central Board of Direct Taxation, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, six representatives of AIMTC and JS (Transport) will be formed, which will submit a report in three months for consideration. CII said they would like to contribute to the effort of thawing the issues as a major user segment.
