JAMMU: Minister for FCS&CA, IT, Youth Services and Sports, Transport, Science and Technology, Satish Sharma, today assured that all genuine issues raised by the Kashmir Tourist Drivers Coordination Committee will be addressed within the shortest possible time.
The assurance was given by the Minister during a detailed meeting held here today.
The meeting was attended by MLA M Y Tarigami and President CITU besides Secretary Transport, Avny Lavasa and senior officers of the Transport Department. Representatives of the Kashmir Tourist Drivers Coordination Committee also participated in the deliberations.
During the meeting, the Coordination Committee presented a comprehensive memorandum highlighting several pressing issues being faced by the tourist taxi operators in the Kashmir region. A key demand raised was the introduction of a uniform colour-coding system for tourist taxis, on the pattern followed in states such as Delhi, Maharashtra and others.
The Committee pointed out that a standardised colour scheme would help tourists and passengers easily identify the authorised vehicles, enhance safety and security, and curb the menace of unauthorised and fake taxis. It will also bring greater regulation, transparency and professionalism in the sector, added the Committee.
The Committee further emphasised that the tourist taxi sector plays a vital role in supporting tourism, employment and local livelihoods in Kashmir. Therefore, it requires a well-regulated and supportive policy framework to function efficiently and sustainably.
The Minister gave a patient hearing to all the issues raised and assured the delegation that the government is sensitive to the concerns of tourist drivers. He stated that since some of the demands involve policy-level decisions, the Transport Department will initiate immediate consultations and necessary procedures to resolve the issues within a fortnight.
Satish Sharma directed the officers to examine the proposals in a time-bound manner and maintain close coordination with stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of decisions.
Secretary CITU, J&K, Abdul Rashid Pandit, along with Mohd Younis, Chairman KTC and Mudassar Ahmad, President of the Kashmir Tourist Drivers Coordination Committee, respectively, represented the association in the meeting. They expressed satisfaction over the positive response from the Minister.
