Road Transport Workers Federation's Assam State Committee stage protest

GUWAHATI: The All India Road Transport Workers Federation's Assam State Committee, along with other organizations, raised a question as to why Meghalaya resorts to 'harassment on tourist cabs' going to Shillong and Barak Valley, including charging fines even as such vehicles from Meghalaya are allowed to enter Assam.

The Federation said that cab drivers have to face harassment at check-gates in Meghalaya on the pretext of corona pandemic even when they go with valid passes. The Federation said that there has been no lockdown now, yet they have to face harassment in he neighbouring State.

Staging a protest in front of Poribohon Bhawan at Khanapara the Federation demanded the department concerned to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

"The cabbies had to incur huge loss during the corona-induced lockdown. In such a situation the State government should pay us Rs 7,500 per month each for six months so as to let us cope up with the situation. We also demand closure of all toll gates were cabbies have to pay huge amounts and exemption of various vehicles taxes. This apart, passenger-carrying city buses and other modes of vehicles should be paid subsidies since they have to ply their vehicles with half the capacity. Around 8.50 lakh workers have been engaged in light and heavy vehicles in the State. The government should do something tangible for their welfare, especially the Assam Motor Workers Welfare Scheme, 2018 should be implemented by the government," said Federation general secretary Biren Sarma.

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