AIMTC warns of stir, demands one-time toll tax

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, August 18

Warning the government of a nationwide strike in September, the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) today demanded a one-time toll tax, barrier-free movement of trucks and other vehicles, and removal of tax at source (TDS) from the transport sector.

President of the AIMTC, Bhim Wadhwa said that if the government failed to meet the demand of the Motor Transport Congress, the transporters would go on strike next month. 

Addressing a press conference, Wadhwa said instead of charging toll tax on every barrier, the government should make a policy for one-time payment of toll tax so that trucks could move freely without any hindrance. At present, the truck drivers are harassed at every toll tax barrier. The present system is not transparent, he said. 

Saying that the myopic policies of the government is throttling the transport sector of the country, Wadhwa said that the current toll policy and levy of TDS were twin issues that had browbeaten this ailing sector and its condition was worsening day by day. 

Wadhwa said, "We have always maintained that good infrastructure is required for economic growth and we are not against revenue of the government, but intermittent stoppages at toll plazas and border check posts are hampering the seamless movement of cargo and passengers. Even the much-touted e-tolling scheme is not a workable solution to this burgeoning problem. We have suggested that the government should sit with us with the data on toll revenue and work out a simplified the tax policy."