AIMTC  has demanded waiver of goods, road and passenger taxes for at least two quarters (of the current fiscal) in view of transport operators facing acute financial strain, claim industry sources. They mention that AIMTC President Kultaran Singh Atwal has written a letter to all the chief ministers demanding exemption from penalty on delay in renewal of statutory documents in the states till September 30. Drawing attention to about 65 to 70 per cent of the vehicles being off the road, sources state that transporters in cargo and passenger space, irrespective of their size, are facing an acute financial strain.
Explain sources that transporters are finding it difficult to pay the motor vehicle tax and other taxes, due since April 01, 2021. Burdened burdened with Covid-19 medical expenses concerning their drivers and other staff, sources add that transporters – the mid and small-sized ones especially, mention sources, are fighting for survival amid local and regional movement restrictions and no major business or revenue inflow to boast of.
The AIMTC, mention sources, as an apex body of transporters, represents about 95 lakh truckers and other entities.