Swaraj India opposes govt move against agri tractors

New Delhi: Swaraj India on Sunday expressed strong objections to the Central government’s decision to exclude agricultural tractors from the category of ‘non-transport vehicles’, a decision that will have severe implications on the already distressed farmers of the country.

Terming the move as unnecessary, party spokesperson Rajeev Gidara said there was already a clear distinction between tractors being used for agricultural purposes and ones used for non-agriculture purposes. 

He said that agricultural tractors in the category of commercial vehicles will increase their cost as the GST Goods and Services Tax (GST) levied on tractors will increase from the present 12 per cent to 28 per cent. They will be subjected to increased tolls and that obtaining licences to drive tractors will become difficult once they are included in the category of ‘transport vehicles’.

“Once an agriculture tractor, it will be considered as a ‘transport vehicle’ and will require a permit to ply,” Jai Kisan Andolan convenor Avik Saha said.

The Swaraj India said it was unfortunate it published the same in a gazette. Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav, said, “If this move is implemented, the farmers need to be Class 8 pass to be eligible for getting a license to drive a tractor.”

Is the government even aware of the literacy rate prevalent among the farmers of our country,” Mr Yadav asked.