KATHMANDU: Transport entrepreneurs and workers, who have been protesting against the existing Vehicle and Transport Management Act, have submitted a joint amendment proposal to the government, demanding reforms to address what they call unjust penalties and provisions in the current legal framework.
The joint proposal, prepared by a working group formed to consolidate the concerns of transport workers and entrepreneurs, was handed over to Krishna Raj Pant, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport and coordinator of the government’s recommendation task force.
The proposal specifically seeks revisions in the draft of the Vehicle and Transport Management Bill 2081, the National Transport Policy 2081, and the Road Safety Bill 2081.
According to union leader Bhimjwala Rai, who was present at the meeting, the amendment recommendations focus on making public transport more commuter-friendly, prioritizing the safety and rights of workers, and safeguarding private sector investment in the transport industry.
Rai also said that the names of transport workers have been submitted to the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security for their enrollment in the Social Security Fund.
“We’ve presented our recommendations, and the government has agreed to review them before calling another meeting,” said Bijay Bahadur Swar, coordinator of the Transport Protection Struggle Committee. “After the review, separate meetings will be held on the different laws and regulations. Where disagreements remain, the task force will consult with subject experts to reach a conclusion.”
The recommendation task force led by Pant was formed after a nationwide transport strike on June 2 and 3, called by transport entrepreneurs and workers under the banner of the Public Transport Protection Struggle Committee. The strike had disrupted travel across the country, prompting the government to open formal dialogue and initiate legal review.
Comment