Taxi services suspended
Source: The Sangai Express
Ukhrul, July 02 2016 :
Protesting against the new commercial vehicle policy introduced by Ukhrul Autonomous District Council (UADC) specially for the taxis plying in Ukhrul town, the Ukhrul District Taxi Welfare Association (UDTWA) has suspended taxi services in the town indefinitely.
In a press conference held at Phungreitang, Ukhrul, president of UDTWA Joyson said as per the UADC policy, the bumper and number plates of all the taxis in the district should be painted yellow for easy identification and all the taxis should be registered with UADC at Rs 1800 per taxi.
The association cannot accept the norms laid down by the UADC as it sharply contradict the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, he said.
UDTWA executive Khamung said the vehicle/taxi owners are apprehensive because road tax cannot be levied by UADC nor do they have the authority to issue route permits.
The Transport Department is the legitimate authority for issuing permits and levying taxes.
The UDTWA is not satisfied with the registration fees imposed upon taxi drivers by the town committee under UADC.
The association cannot accept the UADC policies because it cannot be implemented or enforced in Ukhrul and it is beyond the authority of ADC, stated Khamung.
The Ukhrul District Taxi Welfare Association has demanded UADC to review its policies and decision and at the same time urged the authority concerned to maintain status quo until acceptable commercial vehicle policies are framed.