Autorickshaw drivers and owners in Vellore have decided to extend their support to the nationwide one-day strike to show their opposition to the proposed Road Transport and Safety Bill 2014 on April 30.
Vellore district’s All Auto Drivers and Owners Federation have decided to take part in the strike demanding withdrawal of the bill by not operating vehicles. This was decided at the federation’s meeting on Sunday.
They said the BJP government has proposed the Bill to replace the existing Motor Vehicles Act and this could affect lakhs of road transport workers and vehicle users, according to a press release.
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As per the Constitution, road transport was under the control of State government. Regulation of transport, improving services for passengers, collection of vehicle taxes was with the State governments.
The proposed Bill will take away the powers of State governments, the federation members said. It would bring road transport under the control of the Centre, and it has been drafted in such a way that it will pave way to entry of private companies who will take control of motor transport.
The federation said if this proposed Bill became an Act, then a learner’s license can be obtained through a written test and a license can be obtained only after a year.
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Vehicle manufacturers will start registration of vehicles. Learning to drive with a driving school and obtaining license currently costs a maximum of Rs. 4,000. However, if the Act comes into force, people will have to spend minimum of Rs. 25,000. For repairing an auto rickshaw for the purpose of obtaining a fitness certificate, the present cost was Rs. 10,000, while the cost will go up to Rs. 30,000 if the new Act is implemented.
Violations will draw fines that have been increased manifold. The proposed Bill includes a scoring system for violations, and if a violator gets 12 points, he/she could be jailed for a year and a repeat offence with 12 points will fetch five years imprisonment and cancellation of license, they said.
The proposed Bill will affect lakhs of persons including motor workers, owners of small vehicles, those running small workshops and outlets selling spare parts. Two-wheeler owners will also be affected.
Drivers and owners of buses, lorries, rented cars, vans, mini load vehicles, autos, spare part shop owners, mechanic outlet owners and workers, two-wheeler owners from the district will take part in the strike from 6am to 6pm on April 30. They have decided not to operate vehicles and close down workshops and spare part outlets on the day, the release added.