"We won't give up this time. Our contingency plan is already in place. The Railways has assured to transport essential commodities on top priority to avoid any inconvenience to the commoners," Transport Secretary Brahma Dutt said.
Claiming that the state governments had already been asked to crack a whip against striking transporters and act under the provisions of Essential Commodities Act and National Security Act, the Secretary said if needed, trucks would be impounded and pressed into service.
"Under NSA, the state governments have powers to impound trucks and ply through hired drivers. They have also been advised to allow private vehicles to be used for transport services and offer other relaxations to facilitate transportation of commodities," he added.
The Secretary categorically denied total exemption from service tax as demanded by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC).
"We have already offered major relaxations. There is no question of extending total exemption as the tax system was implemented after consulting the truckers' body and taking their advice," he said.
He also ruled out relaxation in toll taxes, claiming that the government had already rolled back rates in July last year. "We rolled back the rates to December 2007 level, and it is still effective," the Secretary said.
