Early actions sought on regulation of e-buses, rollback of tax hikes, ‘arbitrary’ e-challans
Srinagar: Accusing the government of “consistent neglect” and “discriminatory treatment”, the Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association on Tuesday announced a one-day token strike on December 15, saying the transport sector in the Union Territory is “on the verge of collapse” due to official apathy and unaddressed grievances.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, General Secretary of the transporters’ Association, Sheikh Mohammad Yousuf, announced a one-day suspension of operations by transporters from Jammu and Kashmir to protest the government’s failure to address critical issues affecting the sector. He emphasized that despite years of highlighting legitimate demands, the government has remained unresponsive, leading to significant hardships for thousands of families reliant on the transport industry. Following this token strike, the Association plans to issue a seven-day ultimatum to the government, warning of a potential indefinite strike if their concerns are not addressed. Yousuf outlined several pressing issues plaguing the transport sector, including poorly conceived government policies, excessive taxation, and a lack of coordination in transport planning. He criticized the unregulated operation of e-buses, which are encroaching on routes assigned to private operators, and pointed out the absence of a uniform timetable for e-buses and RTC buses in Kashmir, contrasting it with the situation in Jammu. The Association has put forth four major demands to the J&K government: the regulation of e-buses and a halt on their expansion until private transporters are given equitable opportunities; the implementation of a fixed timetable for all e-buses and RTC vehicles; an immediate rollback of recent tax hikes, including significant increases in fitness charges and renewal fees; and the transparent enforcement of e-challan rules to ensure accountability. Yousuf clarified that the Association supports modernization and cleaner transport but seeks government assistance for a gradual transition, highlighting that many small operators cannot afford the high costs of e-buses. He criticized the non-transparent awarding of e-bus contracts under the Smart City project, which he claims favored select contractors while neglecting long-serving local transporters. The financial strain on drivers and small transport owners is severe, with many earning as little as Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 monthly after loan repayments. The indiscriminate issuance of e-challans adds to their distress, as many drivers are unaware of the reasons for their fines. Yousuf called for accountability in the e-challan system and expressed concern over the unsustainable tax and fee increases that threaten the viability of small transport operations. The planned strike on December 15 is intended as a warning to the government rather than a disruption to public life. Yousuf reiterated that the transporters are not opposed to modernization or the public but are fighting against policies that jeopardize their livelihoods. He urged the Lieutenant Governor-led administration to engage in dialogue with transport associations to prevent further escalation of the situation, emphasizing the need for fairness and partnership in progress.
