The latest executive order signed by US President Donald Trump mandates truck drivers to be proficient in English, which has worried Sikh truck drivers.&nbsp;
The US president on Monday (April 28) signed three orders, including one mandating that truck drivers in the US be proficient in English.
&ldquo;Proficiency in English should be a non-negotiable safety requirement for professional drivers. They should be able to read and understand traffic signs, communicate with traffic safety, border patrol, agricultural checkpoints, and cargo weight-limit station officers," the order signed by Trump read.&nbsp;
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<h2>'Discriminatory impact'</h2>
Following this, a Sikh advocacy group has raised concerns that it could have a "discriminatory impact" on immigrant truckers from their community which will create unnecessary barriers to employment.&nbsp;
The groups warned that it could "unfairly disadvantage" immigrant drivers and create employment barriers.&nbsp;
The Sikh Coalition, an advocacy group in the US, expressed "deeply concerned" about the order seeking to "ensure all commercial vehicle operators in the US are proficient English speakers".
"We understand that, under this order, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will be directed to 'rescind and replace guidance to strengthen inspection procedures for compliance with English proficiency requirements'," the advocacy group said in a statement.
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<h2>'150,000 Sikh workers'</h2>
Moreover, there are approximately 150,000 Sikh workers in this industry, of whom 90 per cent are drivers, according to a report by the Economist.&nbsp;
The group further stressed that their community has played a vital role in meeting the high demand for drivers and alleviating the stress of driver shortages on American consumers and the economy.
"More than 30,000 Sikh drivers joined the industry between 2016 and 2018, contributing significantly to this critical sector prior to supply chain problems in 2020. Sikhs help drive&mdash;quite literally&mdash;the American economy," it added.
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The Sikh Coalition also joined other civil rights organisation to oppose Trump's order to understand the legal implications and implementation process of this most recent order.&nbsp;
"However, we are concerned that it could have a discriminatory impact on Sikh truck drivers and create unnecessary barriers to employment for qualified individuals," it said.
According to the order, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy will begin identifying and carrying out additional administrative, regulatory, or enforcement actions to improve the working conditions of America's truck drivers within 60 days of the order.&nbsp;
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The Sikh Coalition expressed "deeply concerned" about the order seeking to "ensure all commercial vehicle operators in the US are proficient English speakers". WORLD

The latest executive order signed by US President Donald Trump mandates truck drivers to be proficient in English, which has worried Sikh truck drivers. The US president on Monday (April 28) signed three orders, including one mandating that truck drivers in the US be proficient in English. “Proficiency in English should be a non-negotiable safety requirement for professional drivers. They should be able to read and understand traffic signs, communicate with traffic safety, border patrol, agricultural checkpoints, and cargo weight-limit station officers," the order signed by Trump read. Also read: Donald Trump to showcase US investment surge with tech and auto leaders 'Discriminatory impact' Following this, a Sikh advocacy group has raised concerns that it could have a "discriminatory impact" on immigrant truckers from their community which will create unnecessary barriers to employment. The groups warned that it could "unfairly disadvantage" immigrant drivers and create employment barriers. The Sikh Coalition, an advocacy group in the US, expressed "deeply concerned" about the order seeking to "ensure all commercial vehicle operators in the US are proficient English speakers". "We understand that, under this order, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will be directed to 'rescind and replace guidance to strengthen inspection procedures for compliance with English proficiency requirements'," the advocacy group said in a statement. Also read: Trump administration to ease auto tariff impact, offering relief to automakers '150,000 Sikh workers' Moreover, there are approximately 150,000 Sikh workers in this industry, of whom 90 per cent are drivers, according to a report by the Economist. The group further stressed that their community has played a vital role in meeting the high demand for drivers and alleviating the stress of driver shortages on American consumers and the economy. "More than 30,000 Sikh drivers joined the industry between 2016 and 2018, contributing significantly to this critical sector prior to supply chain problems in 2020. Sikhs help drive—quite literally—the American economy," it added. Read more: Mark Carney wins Big in Canada, thanks to Trump’s interference: Did his ‘51st State’ talk hand the Liberals election win? The Sikh Coalition also joined other civil rights organisation to oppose Trump's order to understand the legal implications and implementation process of this most recent order. "However, we are concerned that it could have a discriminatory impact on Sikh truck drivers and create unnecessary barriers to employment for qualified individuals," it said. According to the order, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy will begin identifying and carrying out additional administrative, regulatory, or enforcement actions to improve the working conditions of America's truck drivers within 60 days of the order. WATCH | Trump signs executive orders to boost US coal to 'turbocharge' mining

Sikh truck drivers in US worried? Trump's new order says American truckers have to be 'proficient in English'

A major change in the colonial-era criminal laws by the Indian government has triggered nationwide protests by truckers. The strike entered its second day on Tuesday (Jan 2) as&nbsp;demonstrations were reported from various parts of the country.&nbsp;

<h2>Why the truck strike?</h2>

The three-day strike has been launched by truck, bus and tanker drivers to&nbsp;protest against the newly enacted&nbsp;Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), for the additions in provision for hit-and-run cases. Previously, the cases were filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), with a punishment of two years.

However, the new law stipulates that drivers who cause a serious road accident by negligent driving and run away without informing the police or any official from the administration can face punishment of up to 10 years or a fine of Rs 7 lakh ($8400).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-airplane-transported-by-truck-gets-trapped-under-bridge-in-motihari-bihar-674918">Also read |&nbsp;India: Airplane transported by truck gets trapped under bridge in Motihari, Bihar</a>

<h2>What are the truckers claiming?</h2>

Transporters across the spectrum are fiercely opposed to the legislation. They have petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking withdrawal of the stringent sections.&nbsp;

The majority&nbsp;are of the view that the enforcement of the law without addressing concerns may disrupt the supply chains. Additionally, they argue that the law was passed without consultation with stakeholders.&nbsp;

The major bone of contention remains the investigation process to be followed in the event of an alleged hit-and-run case.&nbsp;Transporters argue that the legislation might be used to exploit the truckers who are unfairly accused even when they are not at fault in accidents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>What is the ground situation?</h2>

While the Centre is yet to engage the various stakeholders, the state governments are scurrying to ensure that the strike&nbsp;does not affect the public.

The Maharashtra government has urged police to ensure an uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG cylinders.&nbsp;

In Gujarat, the protesters blocked highways passing through Kheda, Valsad, Gir Somnath, Bharuch, and Mehsana districts on Monday. On some routes, the protesters burned tyres, leading to massive snarls.

In Chhattisgarh, more than 12,000 private bus drivers announced a strike, leaving commuters stranded at bus stations in&nbsp;Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, and Rajnandgaon.&nbsp;

In West Bengal, truck and commercial vehicle drivers blocked National Highway number 2 near the Dankuni toll plaza in the Hooghly district.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A major change in the colonial-era criminal laws by the Indian government has triggered nationwide protests by truckers. The strike entered its second day on Tuesday (Jan 2) as demonstrations were reported from various parts of the country.

A major change in the colonial-era criminal laws by the Indian government has triggered nationwide protests by truckers. The strike entered its second day on Tuesday (Jan 2) as demonstrations were reported from various parts of the country. Why the truck strike? The three-day strike has been launched by truck, bus and tanker drivers to protest against the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), for the additions in provision for hit-and-run cases. Previously, the cases were filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), with a punishment of two years. However, the new law stipulates that drivers who cause a serious road accident by negligent driving and run away without informing the police or any official from the administration can face punishment of up to 10 years or a fine of Rs 7 lakh ($8400). Also read | India: Airplane transported by truck gets trapped under bridge in Motihari, Bihar What are the truckers claiming? Transporters across the spectrum are fiercely opposed to the legislation. They have petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking withdrawal of the stringent sections. The majority are of the view that the enforcement of the law without addressing concerns may disrupt the supply chains. Additionally, they argue that the law was passed without consultation with stakeholders. The major bone of contention remains the investigation process to be followed in the event of an alleged hit-and-run case. Transporters argue that the legislation might be used to exploit the truckers who are unfairly accused even when they are not at fault in accidents. What is the ground situation? While the Centre is yet to engage the various stakeholders, the state governments are scurrying to ensure that the strike does not affect the public. The Maharashtra government has urged police to ensure an uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG cylinders. In Gujarat, the protesters blocked highways passing through Kheda, Valsad, Gir Somnath, Bharuch, and Mehsana districts on Monday. On some routes, the protesters burned tyres, leading to massive snarls. In Chhattisgarh, more than 12,000 private bus drivers announced a strike, leaving commuters stranded at bus stations in Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, and Rajnandgaon. In West Bengal, truck and commercial vehicle drivers blocked National Highway number 2 near the Dankuni toll plaza in the Hooghly district. (With inputs from agencies)

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