Transporters urged state transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar to repeal a clause requiring chemical tanker drivers to be literate in an Indian language and English. (File photo) MUMBAI: The transporters have petitioned state transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar, requesting a rollback of the clause in the latest GR, which mandates that drivers of chemical tankers must possess specific educational qualifications , including the ability to read and write in one of the Indian languages as well as in English. "This is likely to exacerbate the ongoing nationwide shortage of drivers, particularly for transport vehicles carrying hazardous and dangerous chemicals," said Bal Malkit Singh of All India Motor Transport Congress.
"The majority of drivers are illiterate and have limited access to training and education . Many drivers, particularly those from rural or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, may not have easy access to the required educational qualifications or the resources to attend mandatory training courses. This creates an additional barrier to entry into the profession, further reducing the pool of eligible drivers," the petition stated.
"Driving is a skill-based profession. Drivers handling the transportation of hazardous goods are thoroughly trained and possess the necessary skills, making theoretical knowledge unnecessary," Singh pointed out..
