'Cab Mazdoor Sangha' stages protest against 'exploitation' by companies in Guwahati

Government urged to initiate scheme for drivers and extend installment-paying period

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Members of the 'All Assam Cab Mazdoor Sangha' staged a demonstration protesting alleged violation of rules by their companies, at Chachal here on Saturday.

The advisor of the organization, Dhrubaraj Asom told The Sentinel, "Instead of providing relief during this pandemic time, the two companies are exploting us. While stopping incentives for the cab drivers, the company has hiked the companies' commission from Rs 30 to Rs 40.

"Besides, the companies have not taken any initiative for vaccination of the drivers. Nor have they arranged sanitizers and face masks in the cabs running under their banners. Despite this, we are driving the cabs as we do not have any other alternative."

The organization advisor also urged the State government to look into the following suggestions for bailing out the cab drivers during this time of COVID-19 crisis.

He said, "The transport authorities should exempt the cab drivers from installing the speed-limit device. The process of installing this device costs not less Rs 7,000. If the exemption is granted, it will provide some relief to the cab owners and drivers.

"Further, the authorities should also extend the period mandated for paying the installments of vehicles. We further appeal to the State government to initiate a scheme for the drivers of such commercial vehicles especially during this pandemic period."

Mentionably, the transport authorities collect a large amount of tax from such commercial vehicles.

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