TDC threatens non-cooperation movement
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 17 2017:
The Transporters and Drivers Council (TDC) has said that transporters will not cooperate in the coming State Legislative Assembly election if the authorities concerned fail to increase the hiring charge of vehicles and drivers by 80 per cent.
Speaking to media persons at the council's office at MG Avenue, H Ranjit (president, TDC), said, "It is really unfortunate that the present CEO and Additional CEO do not realise the contribution of the TDC during the past elections".
He pointed out that the hiring charge had been increased by 10 percent in 2012 and by 25 percent in 2014 .
"It would have sufficed even if the authorities agreed to increase the rate by just 15 to 25 percent.
If they are adamant, then they will not get any vehicle and they won't be able to find any driver", he said.
Ranjit pointed out that there is nothing wrong with the CEO's decision to hire vehicles from outside Manipur instead of increasing the hiring charge but the council will strongly oppose any decision to requisition vehicles from inside the State if the authorities' plan fails.
"This is the second reminder we have sent to the authorities concerned.
We will send a third reminder but if they fail to increase the hiring charge as demanded, then the Council will not give any cooperation in the coming election", he said.
Alleging that the CEO failed to consult the Transport Department, Ranjit said that the council will not tolerate if the CEO, who did not heed the recommendation of the Transport Department, tries to frame transport contractors.
"The Transport Department has been forfeiting the voting rights of the drivers and handymen during every election but this time the department would not be allowed to do so.
In case the department tries to browbeat its way, the Council will lodge a complaint to the Election Commission of India against the CEO and Additional CEO", he said.