Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 26 2010:
A joint meeting held today between the Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) and 16 transport association/societies operating in different parts of Manipur at the former's head office has agreed on giving 50 per cent concession to students in travel fares.
A press release issued by the MSF has appealed to all other transport societies who could not attend today's meeting to abide by the resolution of the meeting.
Transport associations which attended the meeting included Imphal-Noney Road Motor Transport Co-op Society, Light Vehicle Transport of Passenger Welfare Union, Salai Transport Co-op Society, UK Road Motor Transport Co-op Society, Lainingthou Transport, Passenger Taxi Transport Societies' Association (JAC), Uripok Kangchup Road Auto Rickshaw Owner and Driver Co-op Society, Pureiromba Transport Co-op Society, Wangjing Tata Magic Union, TRESCO, Route No 2 City Bus Nambol, Sagolband Auto Assn, NC Jeep Auto, New Keithelmanbi Transport Association, Imphal-Lamlai Taxi Transport Co-op Society and Heirok Tata Magic Association.
The initiative to give 50 per cent travel fare concession to students was taken up in view of the hardships being faced by economically backward students and their families on account of scarcity of all essential commodities including fuel which has compelled the transporters to double their normal fares, conveyed the student body.
The new travel fare regulation which covers all students ranging from school level to university would not be applicable to school/college students not in their uniforms.
However, for university students and other institutions like LMS Law College, JN Dance Academy etc which have no prescribed uniforms, the regulation would be applicable from 10 am to 11 am in the morning and from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm in the afternoon, subject to production of identity cards.
The MSF further appealed to all students to inform them or relevant transport association if any driver is found not complying with the regulation.
However, MSF would not entertain complaints from students who do not follow the laid down conditions.
The student body also urged upon the Government to ensure that fuel oils and all other essential commodities are available to the public in adequate quantities at appropriate prices.