The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a warning to the federal government, states and union territories to protect the interests of truck drivers, noting that their legal rights have not been adequately addressed. The recommendation advised that the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 be amended to require the purchase of personal accident insurance of at least Rs 15 lakh for every driver, co-driver and assistant of a commercial truck.
The NHRC has written to central ministries and departments, chief secretaries of states and administrators of union territories asking them to implement its recommendations in advisory and sought an action taken report within three months.
Some other recommendations include providing cashless treatment to drivers, co-drivers and helpers injured or disabled in road accidents, establishing and regularly maintaining driver’s rest stops in parking areas, equipped restrooms, and restaurants providing food and beverages. is included. Fair rates, mechanic shops, drug stores, doctor’s clinics, etc. At regular intervals, along national highways and at prominent places along state highways and other major district roads, not exceeding 40 kms.
“Set up fully equipped trauma centers at regular intervals along the highways to extend the emergency to the victims of road accidents. To create awareness on the e-shram portal and to all the truck drivers, to take advantage of the benefits of Pradhan, Launch a special drive to register co-drivers and assistants.Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-ABJAY) as well as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PM-JJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PM-SBY) ) and old age protection under Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan Dhan (PM-SYMD),” read the advisory.
NHRC Chairperson Justice Arun Mishra had presided over the meeting of a Core Group on Trade and Human Rights on the issues of commercial truck drivers and expressed serious concern over the plight of commercial truck drivers and the need for collaborative, practical and implementation measures to protect their rights. Appropriate solutions were suggested.
NHRC has also proposed to introduce a group insurance scheme providing life as well as health cover for truck drivers on payment of nominal subsidized subscription and truck drivers by providing online facilities for auto-generation of challans. And the physical interface between law enforcement agencies is minimized. In addition to storage of vehicle related documents for over speeding, registration and fitness certificates, grant and renewal of permits and licences, payment of taxes and penalties online only.
“In addition to mandatory installation of vehicle location tracking devices in every truck to track and detect overspeeding besides installation of speed cameras at regular intervals on highways. An online facility for receiving complaints with evidence (photographic, video graphics) Set up portals and round-the-clock helplines (, and documentaries) from truck drivers,” it said.
Other recommendations include deployment of highway patrols in areas vulnerable to exploitation by anti-social elements, preparation of an SOP to control confiscation of trucks and arrest of drivers, co-drivers and helpers in cases related to road accidents, overloading. Is. and violation of other laws.
“The SOP may, inter alia, contain an exhaustive list of cases where the arrest of drivers or confiscation of the truck may be warranted,” it read. It also suggested the institution of rewards and cash incentives to honor drivers who practice responsible driving.
Issuing the advisory, the Commission observed that despite making a significant contribution to the country’s economy, the rights of the truck drivers are not given enough attention as the trucking business remains fragmented and unorganized.
It also said that most of the truck drivers do not get social security benefits like provident fund, pension, health insurance, life insurance, gratuity etc.
With inputs from PTI