Trucking association seeks removal of RTO check-posts to tackle corruption.
The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), representing motor transport operators across the country, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to remove Regional Transport Office (RTO) check posts, especially at state borders. AIMTC alleges that these check posts, especially in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, are plagued by corruption and exploitation.
In its letter to the Prime Minister, AIMTC has stressed to importance of implementing the National Logistics Policy and linking it with broader initiatives such as Digital Push, Make in India, and Ease of Doing Business. They consider these policies necessary to reduce logistics costs, establish India as a global manufacturing hub, and stimulate economic growth.
AIMTC condemns malpractices at border RTO check posts, arguing that it negatively impacts the transport industry, particularly vulnerable truck drivers. They claim that these check posts have become obsolete and illegal in the context of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), National Logistics Policy and PM Gatishakti initiative. AIMTC cites widespread corruption, harassment, extortion and exploitation at these locations.
Further, AIMTC says border RTO check posts contradict the basic premise of the GST law, which aims to facilitate smooth and corruption-free movement of transport vehicles, reduce logistics costs, protect the environment and eliminate fuel wastage. They believe that the expected benefits have been compromised due to the influence of the RTO lobby.
Given technological advances and the availability of online document verification tools, AIMTC has called for reducing on-road inspections and eliminating border check posts. They advocate eliminating human intervention on national/state highways to reduce fuel wastage, waiting time, inspection-related delays and overall expenses, ultimately promoting time and cost efficiency and improving ease of doing business.
AIMTC's letter to the Prime Minister highlights states where border check posts are operating, despite the ongoing exploitation of truck drivers by RTOs/DTOs or their agents. They request the intervention of the Prime Minister for immediate removal of unnecessary, regressive and exploitative border posts. AIMTC expresses confidence that proactive measures can eliminate corruption and create a conducive environment for the growth of the transport industry while maintaining the ideals of GST and ease of doing business.
