Proposal for one permit, one tax submitted in Rajya Sabha

The select committee on the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017 headed by Vinay P. Sahasrabuddhe has submitted its report on the idea of 'one nation, one permit, one tax' to the Rajya Sabha. The proposed amendments are expected to reduce the hassle for interstate bus operators and goods carriers. According to the panel, it would boost the concept of cooperative federalism.

As per the current system, transport operators have to shell out hefty taxes and fees on interstate and national permits. These are issued every year and a typical bus operating in the 5 southern states would have to pay Rs. 42 lakh every year in permit fees. Hence, transport operators have been demanding an "open road" policy for years.

Apart from a National Permit System, the committee has also proposed an increase in penalties for drivers causing accidents in addition to provisions for improving public transport, road safety and registration of new vehicles at dealer's end. The panel also supports allowing renewal of driving licenses 6 months before and after the expiry date.

The committee has also recommended the use of speed cameras, closed-circuit television (CCTV), speed guns, body wearable cameras that could reduce arbitrariness and corruption by enforcement officers. The report has suggested the government to make rules to ensure the safety of children (below the age of 4) riding on 2-wheelers and punishment in death caused due to drunk driving to be increased to up to 7 years. Besides this, it has been proposed that all heavy commercial vehicles running more than 500 km must have 2 drivers.

The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha earlier this year. It was sent to the Rajya Sabha which had called for a committee to review the amendments. 

Source: Livemint