Truckers warned

The government on Sunday warned the transporters on strike that if they do not return to work, more State governments would invoke ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act) to ensure uninterrupted supply of goods.

Briefing the media on the seventh day of the truckers’ strike, spearheaded by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), Transport Secretary Brahm Dutt pointed out that the government was “open” to discussions, but would not allow a section of transporters to hold the country to ransom.

The government has convened a meeting of State Transport Ministers on Monday to discuss the situation and the steps that may be required to ensure uninterrupted movement of essential commodities.

The Centre would also take up the issue of national permit with the States. Mr. Dutt maintained that local supply of goods had improved with truckers resuming operations in many areas. “The truckers in many parts of the country have started working…Trucks have started plying in Mumbai, Pune, Vijayawada, Hassan and Jaipur. I am sure more and more transporters would return to work.”

He, however, conceded that inter-State movement of goods as well as transportation of industrial products were affected. “Locally, goods are being carried. The only thing that is affected is inter-State movement of goods and industrial and export products.”

The government was in “close contact” with the States and Union territories to ensure uninterrupted movement of essential commodities. The States have been advised to evolve contingency plans and invoke ESMA and NSA, if necessary, to ensure supply of essentials.