Madras High Court help sought for Rs 15,000 as lockdown aid for drivers amid COVID-19

Mras High Court on Thursday ordered tice to Central and state governments on a plea from a rental vehicle owners association seeking financial aid of Rs 15,000 to each of transport workers in wake of COVID-19 lockdown.

petitioner Tamil Nu Independent Rental Vehicle Owners and Drivers Association - wanted state to also provide discount on ro tax, extension of time to renew fitness certificate, insurance and exemption from payment of toll and permit charges during lockdown period.

mitting plea, a division bench of Justice R Subbiah and Justice Krishnan Ramaswamy directed governments to file ir response by July 1. According to petitioner, livelihood of association members was affected to a great extent due to lockdown.

In a rmal situation, taxi owners and drivers support government by periodical ro taxes and permit charges. refore, in this extraordinary circumstance, it is duty of government to take care of such stake holders, petitioner said.

Most of drivers are in group of 25 to 50 having responsibility to take care of ir family. y are w under unimaginable stress and in urgent need of support from government for ir survival, petitioner said.

Besides financial aid, petitioner wanted Central government to provide interest-free loan ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh under Prhan Manthri Muthra scheme.

While state has alrey provided relief materials and cash support to members of or profession and drivers registered under social welfare department, members of association have t been provided with any such relief so far, petitioner ded.

(Photo Credit: PTI)