Gadkari appeals to transporters to call off proposed strike

Asking transporters in states to call off their proposed strike from tomorrow to protest some provisions in new Motor Bill, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today said their concern is premature and assured that decisions will be taken after wide consultation only.
Some State Transport Corporations (STCs) and a few operators of private buses belonging to various trade unions have called for for a strike from tomorrow to protest some provisions of 'Road Transport and Safety Bill,2015'.
Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari has made an appeal to all those who have given a call for strike on April 30 that their concern is premature and assured that decision will be taken after wide consultation, an official statement said.

Some states apprehend that the new Motor Bill will encroach upon their financial, legislative and administrative powers.
"The Ministry wants to assuage the concern of all stakeholders that the decision to allow stage carriages in a state is proposed to lie with the expert body i.E. State Transport Authority, under the respective state governments. It also plans to bring new technologies including greener fuels in vehicle manufacturing and operations," the road transport ministry said in the statement.
So far as contract carriage is concerned, the permits for intra-state movement will continue to be vested with the State Transport Authority, under the State Governments, it added.

"As regards Inter-State Contract Carriage permits, these are envisaged to be issued by the National Transport Authority and the revenues due to each state will be transferred to such State, on the analogy of National Permit System for goods carriers," it said.
The power to decide on the actual quantum of fines is proposed to be put in rules, which will be brought before the people of this country for wider consultation, it said.