THE Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has called upon Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Jairam Gadkari, to roll back the steep penalties introduced under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. In a formal letter addressed to the Minister on December 3, the CITU highlighted the severe financial strain these penalties have placed on auto-rickshaw drivers, small lorry owners, and other self-employed transport operators.

The CITU noted that minor lapses, often unintentional, have led to disproportionately high fines, amounting to thousands of rupees monthly for many individuals. This burden, it argued, is untenable for those whose daily incomes have already been reduced by increased competition and rising diesel prices.

“Enhanced penalties are rubbing salt into the wounds of drivers whose earnings have drastically declined. This precarious situation necessitates immediate intervention to restore the penalty structure of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1989,” the letter stated.

Quoting the late Professor Dinesh Mohan of IIT Delhi, who supported many provisions of the 2019 amendment but cautioned against penalties exceeding drivers’ earnings, the CITU argued that heavy fines have failed to reduce road accidents. The union also cited Gadkari's recent acknowledgment that enhanced penalties had not significantly curbed traffic violations or accidents.

CITU underscored the widespread reliance on auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws as affordable transport options in cities and towns. Any added financial burden on these operators would ultimately affect the general public, it said, as costs are passed on to passengers.

In conclusion, the CITU urged the government to “consider the withdrawal of the enhanced penalties regime” and reinstate the penalty framework under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1989, to safeguard the livelihoods of millions of unorganised transport workers.