The central government is preparing to implement a new rule for tractors and trolleys, causing dissatisfaction among farmers and small tractor owners across the country. According to the new draft notification, it will be mandatory to install GPS tracking devices and 'black boxes' on 'haulage tractors' used for transporting goods. Additionally, new standards for coupling and electrical connectors for trolleys will be implemented.
The first protest against this decision has been registered from Kolhapur in Maharashtra. MLA Satej Patil has started a campaign calling this notification "unnecessary and imposing a financial burden on farmers." He stated, "If this rule is applied to approximately 90 lakh tractors and trolleys in the country, farmers will have to bear a significant expense."
According to the rules, each tractor must be equipped with an AIS-140 certified Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD), which will cost approximately 8,000 to 15,000 rupees. Additionally, it will be mandatory to install an 'Event Data Recorder' (black box) to record accident information, which is expected to cost between 15,000 to 25,000 rupees. The enforcement of new mechanical coupling and electrical connectors for trolleys will require old trolleys to be replaced or incur additional costs.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has given a deadline until August 18, 2024, to submit objections in this regard. Satej Patil has urged farmers, tractor owners, and organizations to send written objections to comments-morth@gov.in via email.
They demanded the government to exclude tractors used for agriculture from the term 'haulage tractor' or to completely withdraw this notification. Otherwise, they warned that they would have to take to the streets and fight for the farmers' interests.