The agitating Independent Transport-Worker's Association on Friday called off its protest programmes after the government agreed to amend the newly introduced Motor Vehicle and Transport Management Act.

The protest programmes were withdrawn following an eight-point agreement between the government’s representatives and the Drivers’ Struggle Committee.

The agitating drivers had been halting their services since Tuesday arguing that the new amendments to the Act held drivers largely accountable if any accidents occur on the road.

Secretary at Prime Minister’s office KedarBahadurAdhikari, Home Secretary PremRai, Physical Infrastructure and Transport Ministry Secretary MadhusudanAdhikari and Law Secretary RajibGutam signed the agreement from the government side.

According to Transport Management Department Director General LawanyaDhakal, the two sides had agreed to initiate the process to amend the act, and form a committee to investigate whether the accident occurred due to the negligence of drivers.

“The two sides reached the agreement at the office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers,” he said, adding, “The public vehicles have resumed services following the agreement.”

The government has released all the drivers who were arrested during the agitation and the drivers have also started to operate the services. Earlier, the general public were forced to suffer due to the indefinite strike of drivers.