Migration scare for transporters of oxygen and essentials goods

Transporters say the supply chain will be crippled if the migration of their staff continues. Representation pic

Transporters of essentials, including oxygen tankers, are staring at a labour crisis as their workers have begun migrating from urban hubs. They have sought toll relief and priority vaccination of their staff to sustain their business.

"There is no denial to the fact that there is ground harassment at state gateposts. Even though essentials have been allowed to ferry, vehicles are detained for a long time at entry and exit points of states and face trouble, leading to many drivers and staff opting to migrate back till things stabilise," said a lorry driver.

Bal Malkit Singh, chairman, core committee and former president of the All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), said the transport fraternity has its own set of concerns based on its experiences of the lockdown in 2020. "Even those drivers transporting medicines and oxygen are being harassed for no reason," said Singh.

He said if the frustrated drivers and other staff head for their hometowns it may cripple the supply chain of essential commodities. The AIMTC has implored the government to issue strict instructions to authorities to ensure hassle-free movement of vehicles and people engaged in transportation of essential goods.

"The drivers and helpers engaged in the supply of essential medicines and oxygen are working on war footing and many have contracted corona in process. The transporters are taking care of such staff by themselves. They have even put 2 to 3 drivers on stand-by to maintain a seamless supply chain," another transporter said.
The AIMTC has urged the government to put an end to harassment and extortion of drivers carrying essential goods and crew members by field officials manning the nakas.

Singh said that allied industries like workshops, tyre shops, spare parts, dhabas and eateries be allowed to function to maintain continuity of services and toll collection be suspended as done last year.

Stressing that their staff must be recognised as corona warriors, transporters have requested the government to provide them vaccination on priority and COVID insurance as they are the most vulnerable segment of society. "If the situation does not improve in the near future, tax waiver, EMI moratorium, and extension of third-party insurance, E-way Bill & documents validity be considered empathetically," Singh added. State transport department officials said that they would look into the concerns and transport associations should also raise the issue at the national level for a seamless resolution.