Cab drivers seek healthcare facilities for kin

Fast by Uber, Ola drivers on December 15

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: A few cabbies working under Ola and Uber have said that they will resort to a fast on December 15, 2020 near Dighalipukhuri here in support of their demands for healthcare facilities to their family members and 10 per cent reduction of commission being charged by the two companies.

Addressing the media at Dispur Press Club here on Sunday, Dhrubaraj Axom, Diganta Nath, Niranjan Borgohain and others said that cab drivers were deprived of basic facilities by Ola, Uber and the State Government as well. They demanded the Government and both the companies to provide healthcare facilities to their families members.

One of the cab drivers, DigantaNath requested the State Government to extend the period for verification of their documents for one year, instead of the existing six months. They demanded that all those hiring cabs should give their details (KYC-know your customer) while booking the trip. They also said that the companies under which they work shouldn't block their accounts without proper verification.

At present a total of 16,000 drivers are engaged with Ola and Uber. However, Uber doesn't have its regional office in Assam. With the rise in prices of petrol and diesel and after the corona-induced lockdown the cab drivers have to face a whole lot of problems due to cash crunch. They have appealed to the government to take necessary steps to give them a succour.

They announced that on December 15 around 100 cab drivers will stage hunger strike near Dighalipukhuri.

This protest of the cab drivers is supported by the All Assam Students' Union, Axam Xahitya Xabha and others.

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