All India Road Transport Workers’ Federation (AIRTWF) on Monday underlined the need for nationwide awareness campaign on the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill proposed by the Centre as it would have far-reaching consequences on all vital sectors of the economy.
Inaugurating the 10th conference here, CITU general secretary Tapan Sen alleged that the Centre was targeting the most essential aspects for human survival – food, medicines and transport – besides other public utilities by trying to amend the M.V. Act.
‘Attack on economy’
“One cannot live without these and even if prices increase, they would still have to depend on these, though they may cut down their consumption. He described it as an ‘attack on the people and national economy’, being simultaneously carried out with a ‘criminal intention’ by the Modi government, he said.
Referring to the State Transport Undertakings (STUs) going awry in many States, Mr. Sen said that even the better performing STUs in other States would now be forced into the red and ultimately close down to pave the way for corporate transport entities, who would monopolise the business and in course of time the public would not have an option but to utilise their services.
He called upon the delegates and members of various trade unions to educate the workers and public at large on the ‘conspiracy’.
“The government talks of losses in STUs, let it show at least one country in which the STUs are in profits. It is an obligation on the part of the government to ensure affordable transportation to the people,” he said.
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) was ‘bleeding’ despite its steel sold at the factory gate being the cheapest in the world.
“We import steel and allow our PSUs to be doomed. This act of the Modi government is anti-national,” he alleged.
AIRTWF general secretary K.K. Divakaran said that 90% of the road transport sector was owned by small operators and their existence would be threatened by the new amendment. He called for unity among all trade unions, workers, owners and the people to oppose the ‘anti-labour’ policies of the government.
