Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 6 Nov: Transport operators across Uttarakhand have announced that they would stage a large-scale protest in Dehradun on 8 November to voice their opposition to what they described as unfavourable policies of the Transport Department. The transporters stated at a press conference held at the Uttaranchal Press Club here today that they would also submit an affidavit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outlining their grievances and demands.
Sundar Singh Panwar, President of the Uttarakhand Taxi Maxi Federation, Bhagwan Singh, President of the Devbhoomi Travel Agents Association, and Gajendra Singh Negi, State President of the All Uttarakhand Motor Transport Association, reminded that thousands of people in the state are directly or indirectly dependent on the transport sector. They asserted that this sector plays a vital role in curbing migration from the hills, yet despite its significance, the Government has failed to frame a comprehensive transport policy even after twenty-five years of the state’s formation.
The operators also expressed strong resentment over the absence of a dedicated Transport Minister in the state. They reminded that the portfolio is presently held by the Chief Minister, who is already burdened with numerous responsibilities and, therefore, has little time to address transport-related issues. They complained that representatives of transport unions have been unable to secure an audience with him to present their difficulties. They added that under such circumstances, whom can they approach with their problems.
The union representatives further objected to the concentration of authority within the Transport Department, noting that a single IAS officer, Brijesh Kumar Sant, is simultaneously holding three key positions, Transport Secretary, Transport Commissioner, and Transport Authority Chairman. They remarked that, if an order issued by him adversely affects transport operators, there is no higher authority to whom they can appeal. “When one person holds all three posts, where are we to take our grievances?” they asked.
The associations demanded that the State Government immediately replace the Transport Commissioner and Additional Transport Commissioner to ensure fair administrative functioning of these departments and authorities. They also protested against the decision to hand over Automated Testing Stations (ATS) to private agencies and to set up these facilities at distant locations, making the access difficult for vehicle owners. The Taxi Maxi Federation urged that ATS centres be established in every district transport office and that Uttarakhand adopt the model followed in Himachal Pradesh, where testing facilities are easily available to local operators.
The operators further expressed anger over the recent five per cent increase in transport tax imposed without consultation with the stakeholders. They argued that the hike is unjust, especially when many in the sector are already reeling under financial distress caused by natural disasters. Representatives of the Federation stated that their vehicles have remained idle for a significant part of the year due to calamities, leading to heavy losses. In view of this, they demanded a waiver of road tax to provide some relief to affected operators.
They further reiterated their long-standing request for the creation of a government-run online platform similar to the one operational in Goa, which facilitates easy taxi bookings for residents and tourists alike. Despite repeated appeals, they alleged that the Government has paid no attention to this demand either.
They declared that in view of growing resentment among the transporters, the transport operators have resolved to hold their 8 November protest peacefully but firmly, declaring that they will continue their agitation until the Government takes meaningful steps to address their concerns and ensure a fair, transparent, and supportive policy framework for the transport sector in Uttarakhand.
