The All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers Union on Monday said that groups of individuals have started verification and stamping of weights and measures of vehicles from September 11 at Lamphel despite the order from the state and the centre to extend the validity of documents.
A release issued by general secretary of the union, P Robikanta contended that the transporters are facing many difficulties due to such activities, which are in violation of the government order.
It pointed out that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on August 24 has advised the transport commissioners, DGP and principal secretaries, department of transport of all States and union territories to extend validity of documents related to Motor vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 till December 31, 2020.
The states and union territories were requested to implement the advisory in letter and spirit so that citizens, transporters and various other organisations who are operating under this difficult times may not get harassed and faced difficulties, it said.
It further noted that the then director, transport on August 28 has also notified that the validity of fitness, permit of all types, learners’ license, driving license, registration or any other concerned documents whose extension of validity could not or not likely be granted due to lockdown and which has expired since February 1, 2020 or would expire by December 31, 2020 may be treated to be valid till December 31, 2020.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, department of consumer affairs on March 26 has advised/ directed all controllers of legal metrology of all states and union territories for extending three months (to subsequent quarter) for verification and stamping of weights and measures, it said.
The union contended that the order by department of weights and measures, Manipur, which instructed drivers of Indian Oil company Limited to be calibrated to a different official incharge has never happened in other states.
