(11)[ Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), but, subject to the rules that may be made by the Central Government under sub-section (15), the appropriate authority may, for the purpose of encouraging long distance inter-State road transport, [grant, in a State, national permits to the owners of motor vehicles who use, or intend to use, such vehicles for the carriage of goods, for hire or reward, in respect of such number of motor vehicles] [Sub-sections (11) to (15) inserted by the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 1976, (26 of 1976), section 2 (i) (w.e.f. 26.9.1975).] as the Central Government may specify in this behalf in relation to that State, and the provisions of sections 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 61, and 64 shall as for as may be, apply to or in relation to the grant of national permits;Provided that the number of national permits specified for a State shall not be varied or modified except after consultation with the concerned State Government.Explanation. - In this section-(a)"national permit" means a permit granted by the appropriate authority [to the owner of a motor vehicle authorising him to operate as a public carrier] [Substituted for certain words by the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 1977, (27 of 1977), Section 7 (ii) (w.e.f. 1.9.1977).] throughout the territory of India or in such contiguous States, not being less than five in number (including the State in which the permit is issued), as may be specified in such permit in accordance with the choice [indicated by such owner] [Substituted for certain words by the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 1977, (27 of 1977), Section 7 (ii) (w.e.f. 1.9.1977).] to whom such permit is granted;(b)"appropriate authority" in relation to a national permit means the authority which is authorised by this Act to grant a public carrier's permit.
