State Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary rejects demand for fare hike

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: State Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary has rejected outright the All Assam Motor Transport Association's demand for increasing fares of private passenger vehicles in the State. Moreover, Patowary has warned that the registration of passenger vehicles concerned would be cancelled in case of any arbitrary fare hike.

It may be mentioned that the All Assam Motor Transport Association had submitted a memorandum to the Commissioner of the Transport Department on Thursday, demanding either a 70 per cent increase in fares or implementation of a formula whereby fares will fluctuate on the basis of increase and decrease of fuel prices, Consumer Price Index and Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) rate per kilometre.

The association stated in the memorandum that the marked rise in prices of petrol and diesel was the root reason for overall increase in prices of various commodities. Further, it stated, the policy adopted by the Government to recoup losses suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic have also contributed to the increase in prices.

The thrust by the Central and State Government to boost collection of taxes and other revenue has contributed as well to escalation of prices, the association stated in the memorandum. In this context, it stated that all kinds of fees/taxes had been increased since April 1, 2022 by amending the Central Motor Vehicle Rules. Toll gate charges have also been increased by 15 per cent with effect from April 1 along with third-party premium, which had been already hiked by 13 per cent earlier.

The association claimed that the prices of items such as tyres, batteries, lubricants and spare parts have also witnessed unchecked increase in recent times.

Private passenger vehicle operators were allowed to increase fares in 2012 and subsequently they have been demanding a 70 per cent increase in fares since 2017. On November 20, 2019, the fares fixed in 2012 were increased by 25 per cent. However, the association said, that hike has proved inadequate in the present situation in view of spiraling prices of fuel and other important items.

The association further stated that private passenger vehicle operators contribute 35 per cent of the State's total revenue collection, but it is now ailing. The association called for strong steps to resolve this crisis.

On the other hand, speaking on the sidelines of a meeting with officials of Transport Department at the Administrative Staff College here, Patowary told mediapersons that increase in fares will not be allowed under any circumstances.

"This is not the right time for increasing fares. If anyone increases fares, the registration of the vehicle concerned will be cancelled upon receipt of complaint from the public," he said. The Transport Minister said that formula for increasing fares by 70 per cent is a strange one and totally unacceptable.

He, however, said that he discuss the matter with the All Assam Motor Transport Association at the appropriate time.

Also Read: Amid Rising Fuel Prices, Assam Transport Minister Says Bus Fares Will Not Be Hiked

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