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Ensure free movement of trucks, good carriers at inter-state borders: MHA to states

NEW DELHI: The home ministry on Thursday asked all states and Union territories to ensure free inter-state movement of trucks/goods carriers during the lockdown , underlining that no separate passes are required for through traffic of trucks and good carriers.In a letter sent to all state/UT chief secretaries, home secretary Ajay Bhalla said the local authorities must not insist on separate passes for trucks passing through inter-state borders. “This is essential to maintain supply chain of goods & services in the country,” he stated.All goods traffic is allowed to ply during the lockdown, as per home ministry guidelines issued on April 15, 2020.Clause 12 of the guidelines with regard to movement of goods/cargo clearly mentions that “movement of all trucks and other goods/carrier vehicles with two drivers and one helper subject to the driver carrying a valid driving licence, an empty truck/vehicle will be allowed to ply after the delivery of goods, or for pick up of goods”.“However it has been reported that at inter-state borders in different parts of the country, movement of trucks is not allowed freely and local authorities insist upon separate passes. While this matter has been clarified earlier vide my letters of even number dated 03.04.2020 and 12.04.2020, it is now re-iterated....that no separate passes are required for through traffic of trucks and goods carriers, including empty trucks etc,” stated the home secretary.All states and UTs have accordingly been asked to ensure that district authorities and field agencies are informed of the above instructions so that there is no ambiguity at the ground level, and movement of trucks and goods carriers, including empty trucks, is allowed without any hindrance.