Desperate for Justice: Assam Cab Drivers Unite in Powerful 48-Hour Hunger Strike for Change
In Guwahati, a 48-hour hunger strike was initiated on Wednesday by the Assam State Drivers’ Association and the All Assam Cab Welfare Federation at Chachal, highlighting a barrage of long-standing grievances. The pressing issues presented in a memorandum to the Chief Minister revolve around app-based cab services allegedly flouting a Supreme Court mandate from 2019 by charging commission rates of 30-40%, significantly above the 20% cap.
Drivers are demanding new technology solutions that ensure revenue remains within Assam, as they feel exploited by external capitalists. The protest has been visually marked by cab drivers bearing black flags, symbolizing their dissent. A key demand is the prohibition of private vehicles in commercial operations, alongside calls for standardized taxi rates per kilometer, and a push for health insurance and provident fund benefits.
Additional requests include complimentary parking at Guwahati Airport, a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 for drivers over the age of 60, and broader inclusion in state welfare schemes. The memorandum also advocates for financial aid in cases of unnatural death during working hours, tax relief from the Transport Department, and the installation of CCTV cameras for safety.
The cab drivers, earning as little as Rs 400 over two days, face dire financial hardships, a situation further compounded by accumulating rent and grocery expenses. “If the government doesn’t care about local people, it better not exist,” an impassioned driver remarked, capturing the underlying frustration fueling this protest.
As this hunger strike progresses, the cab drivers are earnestly hoping for immediate and favorable responses from the state government to these pressing issues, which pose significant challenges to their livelihoods in Guwahati.
Original Story https://assamtribune.com/guwahati/assam-cab-drivers-launch-48-hr-hunger-strike-demanding-action-on-long-standing-issues-1558555
Category : Assam,Guwahati,Featured,More
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Publish Date: 2024-11-20 19:05:00
