Address transport sector issues, protect livelihood of local drivers: Tarigami To JK Govt

Srinagar : CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam, Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, has urged the government to address the growing issues in the transport sector, particularly the challenges faced by local tourist taxi operators. He said that there is a need for fair regulations, financial relief, and strict enforcement of rules to protect the livelihoods of taxi operators.
Addressing a convention of All Road transport workers’ union’s of Jammu Kashmir at Srinagar Tarigami ,who is also president of Centre of Indian Trade unions (CITU) J&K said a deputation had called him and put forth one of their biggest concerns: the operation of private vehicles as tourist taxis without commercial licenses. He said this practice creates unfair competition for legitimate operators who pay heavy taxes and tolls. MLA Kulgam called for strict enforcement of licensing rules to prevent unauthorized operations. He also demanded a review of excessive airport parking and entry fees, which add to the financial burden of transporters. “The lack of facilities for drivers at hotels and lodges, forcing them to sleep in vehicles after long shifts, is another serious issue. The government should ensure basic amenities for drivers at accommodations. Besides, authorities should regulate permit issuance to prevent market oversaturation and establish a fixed fare structure for tourist destinations to protect both tourists and operators from unnecessary fare disputes,” he said.
MLA Kulgam also raised national-level transport concerns, demanding the rationalization of diesel prices, insurance premiums, and toll charges. He criticized the mandatory vehicle scrapping policy and called for financial support to small transporters through government-backed loans. “Authorities should also develop a government-controlled mobile application, similar to private companies, to protect drivers and commuters from exploitation. This app should address fare disputes and provide a grievance lodging system,” he said. He added that there is a need to strengthen State Transport Undertakings (STUs) by restoring funding and ensuring government support for electric bus procurement. Tarigami called for immediate action to protect workers, ensure fair competition, and create a sustainable transport system. Tarigami also demanded redressal of genuine demands of casual laboures, daily rated workers, need based and other types of temporary workers .He also demanded removal of disparity in minimum wages between Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir .