The Maharashtra government has issued a notification stating that no assistant (cleaner) will be required for heavy goods vehicles and objections from the general public have been invited till August 29. Transporters have welcomed the move, stating that it will help decrease the overall cost of transport operations.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said during the agitation organised by many vehicle owners' associations carrying heavy goods in the state, there was a strong demand that the condition of providing an assistant (cleaner) with the driver should be relaxed, leading to this move.

Sarnaik said that as vehicles are currently being manufactured with the help of modern technology, there is no need for an assistant (cleaner).  The condition of providing an assistant to the driver is being relaxed to reduce that cost.