Following the Commerce Ministry’s suggestion for opening the industries, the Union Home Ministry has directed the States to ensure the “smooth movement” of trucks, workers and functioning at warehouses and cold storages.
Union Home Secretary AK Bhalla in his letter to the State authorities said that all trucks should be permitted with the driver carrying valid driving licences. One more person can travel along with the driver.
“Inter-state and intra-state movement of all trucks and other goods / carrier vehicles with one driver and one additional person is allowed as long as the driver is carrying a valid driver’s licence. This is irrespective of the nature of the cargo, whether essential or otherwise.
No further permit or approval would be required. Empty trucks/ goods carriers should also be allowed to operate while on way to pick up goods, or returning after completing a delivery.
Hence, there is no cause to stop empty trucks provided they have valid documents such as driving license & road permit etc.
“Local authorities should actively facilitate the movement of truck drivers and cleaners from their place of residence to location of their trucks. Local authorities should facilitate the easy to and fro movement of workers to workplace and back, in respect of all the permitted industrial/ commercial activities.Railways, Airports, Seaports, and Customs authorities have already been authorised to issue passes for their staff and contractual labour. This may be ensured,” said MHA in statement.