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 emphasized the need for fair regulations, financial relief, and strict enforcement of rules to protect the livelihoods of taxi operators.
While addressing a convention of the All Road Transport Workers’ Unions of Jammu & Kashmir in Srinagar, Tarigami, who is also the president of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) J&K, said a deputation had met him and raised one of their biggest concerns: the operation of private vehicles as tourist taxis without commercial licenses. He stated that 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. Additionally, 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 further emphasized the 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 the genuine demands of casual laborers, daily-rated workers, need-based workers, and other temporary employees. He further called for the removal of disparities in minimum wages between Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Comrade Laxhmiya, General Secretary of the All India Road Transport Workers’ Federation; Jagdish Raj Sharma, CITU leader; Ab Rashid Pandit, CITU Convenor Kashmir; and Mohammad Shafi and Mohammad Younus, leaders of transport unions.
