SRINAGAR: In a significant development, representatives from the All India Motor Transport Congress engaged in discussions with government officials regarding the recent nationwide transport strike.
Government spokespersons emphasise that the new rule, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 106/2, has not been implemented yet, and there is a mutual desire to ensure a thorough consultation with transport representatives before any decisions are made.
Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, addressing the media, said, “We all want to say that before implementing Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 106/2, we will have a discussion with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives, and then only we will take a decision.” This statement reflects a collaborative approach between the government and transporters to address concerns before any rule enforcement.
In light of the discussions, both the government and transporters have reached a consensus, urging transport workers to resume their duties immediately. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, acting as a spokesperson for the government, appeals specifically to truck drivers, emphasising the importance of resuming work promptly.
Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaces the colonial era Indian Penal Code (IPC), drivers who cause a serious road accident by negligent driving and run away without informing police or any official from the administration can face up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of Rs 7 lakh. The punishment in such cases was 2 years in the British-era IPC.
