Demanding relief in excessive VAT levy on diesel fuel and regulations on transport department, checkpoints around 7 lakh commercial vehicles have come to a stand still for 3 days in Madhya Pradesh.
Seeking immediate relief on VAT levy and exemption on road tax, commercial vehicle transport associations have come together announcing a total lockdown (chakka jam) on vehicles from August 10 to 12.
Ajay Sharma, Vice President of All India Motor Transport Association, MP unit said, “MP is selling diesel with the highest VAT than anywhere in the country”.
“We have been constantly demanding the government to reduce VAT on diesel fuel, exemption on road tax as vehicle did not operate during lockdown period and health support for drivers.”
~Ajay Sharma, Vice President of All India Motor Transport association, MP unit
Mr Sharma added, “We have put on a lockdown from August 10 to 12 in support of our demands”.
Vijay Kalra, Vice president of All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), West zone, believes that transport check-posts have become a center of corruption.
“Government is asking for road tax when the vehicle did not ply and business was seriously affected and they are even levying penalties. The lock down call will extend to a country wide chakka jam if our demands are not met”.
~Vijay Kalra, Vice president of All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), West zone
Chirag Katira, Project Head for COVID-19 at AIMTC said, ”We will not send vehicles to the State of Madhya Pradesh from August 10 to 12, instead the vehicles will line up in a queue before its border”.
“Our members will reach the Madhya Pradesh borders of Nayagaon, Sendhwa, Sikandra, Morena, Charghat, Burhanpur, Malthon, Soyat, Hanumana, Multai, Katnoor along with black flags, banners and will blow horn at 2pm on August 11.”
~Chirag Katira, Project Head for COVID-19 at AIMTC
Former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Kamal Nath extended support to the call of AIMTC.
Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh government has issued orders to all district collectors to ensure unbarred supply of goods to the general public.
