Stop heavy penalties on vehicles: TDP to CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy

Amaravati: Telugu Desam Party MLA Anagani Satya Prasad on Friday expressed concern that the transport sector was getting stuck in deepening financial crisis with each passing day on account of the indifferent attitude of the Jagan government.

Satya Prasad demanded the Chief Minister to immediately stop the heavy penalties that were being imposed on the vehicle users from January 1 this year since the whole transport sector was passing through a difficult phase after the coronavirus lockdown. The hiked fuel prices should be lifted to reduce the rates of petrol by Rs 3.31 per litre and diesel by Rs 3.22.

In a letter sent to Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy here, the TDP MLA stressed the need for extending a special package to the lorry and taxi owners, drivers, cleaners and mechanics considering their key role in the transportation of goods and essential commodities. All these sections were facing serious financial difficulties due to lack of enough work ever since the economy took a hit in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Satya Prasad strongly objected to the government's decision on the toll collection on the State highways. It would further leave a bigger impact on the transport sector. Instead of treating the transport sector as an industry that deserves special support, the government was punishing it with greater taxes and penalties. Over 10 percent tax increase was imposed on CNG vehicles.

The TDP MLA asserted that the Chandranna Beema scheme was of great help to the lorry drivers and cleaners. Payments used to be made as per schedule under the previous regime. But now, the scheme was being discouraged and not implemented properly. Stating that the government was not repairing roads at all, Satya Prasad said that the vehicles were getting damaged due to the bad condition of the roads. Consequently, the lorry and taxi owners and drivers were facing greater burdens. They were unable to meeting the delivery deadlines. The state should facilitate counter signature permits for goods vehicles between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Vahana Mitra scheme should be extended to the lorry drivers, cleaners and mechanics.