Hailing the transport sector's contribution in the growth of Indian economy, Union Home Secretary L C Goyal today stressed on the need to create a mechanism to deal with the issues faced by them.
"I am aware of the problems faced by the sector. That is mainly because there is no institutional mechanism for a continuous dialogue between transporters, law enforcement agencies and policymakers," Goyal said.
Speaking at an event organised by All India Transporter's Welfare Association here, Goyal announced the decision to put in place such a structure in the Home Ministry.
"Such structures are grossly lacking at the central and state levels. It has to be put in place and the sooner the better.
"I am going to set up one in my ministry. There would be a task force headed by a joint secretary. There would also be joint secretary level representation of Delhi Police, DDA, Urban development, Surface Transport, NDMC, MCD etc," he said.
Goyal said such a mechanism would enable consultation of all the stakeholders involved in the process, going beyond the governmental machinery and further advocated the need to form a driver welfare fund.
Goyal had effusive praise for the Centre, saying the country was going through a "phase of hope" and with a tangible "sense of urgency" among the bureaucrats.
"Everyone thinks the country would come to a level where GDP would be more than 8 per cent in the next 2-3 years. Transport sector, which accounts for nearly 6 per cent of the GDP, has a vital role to play in that as the country can't make progress without this sector's contribution," he said.
