The State Lorry Owners Federation (SLOF) in Tamil Nadu has accused GST officials of harassing truck owners. They claim that these officials demand GST invoices at checkpoints and intercept newly-built trucks as well as those transporting spare parts of old vehicles to sheds. This frequent stopping of trucks by officers, according to SLOF, disrupts the movement of goods. C Dhanraj, the president of SLOF, noted that only goods-laden trucks should be subjected to inspection for GST payment. However, newly-built trucks taken to the Road Transport Office (RTO) for Fitness Certificate (FC) or permit are also being stopped, causing delays in transportation. Similarly, the officers have stopped a few trucks carrying spare parts of condemned lorries in search of GST invoices.
These practices are unique to Tamil Nadu, says Dhanraj, who believes that truckers in other states do not face such harassment. After conducting a hunger strike on June 6, SLOF submitted a petition to Commercial Tax Minister P Moorthy on Wednesday, outlining its demands. Truckers have expressed their frustration and are calling for a meeting of various lorry associations after June 30. During this meeting, they will decide on a statewide strike if the government does not invite them for a discussion on RTO-related issues.
Moorthy has assured the truckers that such harassment will be stopped in the future. However, truckers want an official invitation from the government to discuss their issues. SLOF is urging officials to limit GST inspections to goods-laden trucks to reduce delays in movement of goods. They warn that if no solution is found, a statewide truckers’ strike will be the only option left.
