All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) on Saturday said the central government has consented to its demand of priority vaccination for drivers operating tankers with liquid medical oxygen amid the pandemic.
''The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has considered the AIMTC demand and urged all state transport secretaries to carry out ''special vaccination drive'' for liquid oxygen tanker drivers,'' AIMTC Core Committee Chairman Bal Malkit Singh said in a statement on Saturday.
The ministry has also asked the states to give priority in admission and treatment to such drivers in hospitals if they get infected with COVID-19, the statement said. The demand for incentives for drivers of oxygen tankers is also under consideration, it said, adding ''the govt is contemplating a proposal to give a financial incentive of around Rs 15,000 to each oxygen tanker driver for their service''.
The transporters' body has also suggested to the government to give priority to drivers of commercial vehicles engaged in the transportation of essential supplies, including pharmaceuticals, medical aids, and other necessary items to ensure there is no shortage of these items in the market, said the statement.
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