A massive protest was organized at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday under the leadership of Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters Association President Sanjay Samrat. A large number of people associated with taxi, tourist and transport sectors participated in the demonstration. The organization alleges that many of their major demands have been pending for years and the central and state governments are continuously ignoring them.
Addressing the protest, Sanjay Samrat said that if the central and state governments, especially the Transport Ministry, still do not pay attention to their demands, then the nature of the movement will be further intensified. He warned that in the coming days all drivers will drive with black bands on their arms. Called it a symbol of peaceful protest.
‘Passengers will be made aware of the real problems’
He said that every domestic and foreign passenger will be made aware of the real problems of the sector, so that the general public can also understand what conditions the taxi and transport business is going through. The organization has already submitted a memorandum of its demands to the Prime Minister. Narendra ModiHome Minister Amit Shah And informed about handing over to Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. Sanjay Samrat said that if there is no solution soon, he will now hand over his complaints to God.
Preparation to plead in ‘God’s court’
The organization has also announced the next phase of the movement. Sanjay Samrat told that a letter was written in Ayodhya. Ram Mandir And the second letter will be handed over to Hanuman temple. He says that when the public representatives are not listening to his voice, he will pray to God to give wisdom to the ministers so that the problems of the transport sector can be solved.
Questions on bike taxi and app based companies
The main demands of the organization include a ban on bike taxis with private number plates. It is alleged that these vehicles are running on the roads without adequate insurance and police verification, which is threatening the safety of passengers and the livelihood of traditional taxi drivers.
Questions were also raised on the fare structure of app-based taxi companies. The organization says that the fares have not been increased for the last ten years, while the commission rates have been increasing. The demand for ensuring safety and accountability of drivers was also reiterated.
Objections to Panic Button, VLTD and Technical Essentials
Allegations of recovery of Rs 10 thousand to Rs 20 thousand were made in the name of panic button and vehicle location tracking device. The organization says that corruption is being promoted by forcibly implementing a technically failed system. There has been a demand to remove it from the mandatory category.
Dissatisfaction was also expressed regarding the bus body code AIS-153. It was considered inappropriate to implement the new code on already manufactured buses. Similarly, a demand was made to abolish the requirement of 80 km per hour speed limit device for All India Permit vehicles.
Demand for changes in e-vehicle policy and tax rules
Demanding a reconsideration of the e-vehicle policy, it was said that implementing it without adequate charging infrastructure and clear guidelines is an additional burden on small operators. There was also a demand to cancel the order for return to the state within 60 days, because vehicles with All India Permit already pay tax.
Uttar Pradesh’s 15-year lump sum tax policy was described as unjust, while in Rajasthan there was a demand to stop the crackdown on luggage carriers of tourist vehicles. An appeal was also made to remove the limit of 15 days and allow six months in the Uttarakhand Chardham Yatra Policy.
Displeasure over e-challan, HSRP and toll tax
The organization demanded a ban on bogus e-challan and blacklisting. He says that this is affecting the livelihood of the drivers. A demand was made to investigate the alleged irregularities regarding HSRP plates, in which there is an allegation of charging up to Rs 1000 instead of a plate worth Rs 200.
In Delhi, there was a demand to abolish MCD toll tax by terming it as double collection. An appeal was also made to stop the technical glitches and arbitrariness of officials in the state tax portal.
Warning of nationwide movement
Sanjay Samrat clarified that this movement is not against any political party but for our rights. He said that if the governments do not find a solution soon, this protest can take the form of a nationwide movement.