PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Uttarakhand Taxi Maxi Mahasangh has warned of a protest against the Transport department over issues raised by local transport operators. They will also demand through a memorandum that Prime Minister Narendra Modi to change the name of Uttarakhand to ‘Bhrasht Pradesh’. The Mahasangh held a Press conference at the Uttaranchal Press Club here on Thursday under the leadership of its State president Sunder Singh Panwar. The representatives informed that transport unions across the State face several challenges which are not being addressed by the departments concerned. They demanded the State government to appoint a separate Transport minister who can address the concerns of transport workers. The members also raised concerns about alleged harassment at private fitness centres during vehicle checks. They also demanded replacement of the transport commissioner and additional transport commissioner, stating that officials must understand the situation of public transport operators across the State. Panwar said that the union will run a transport awareness yatra across the State. He also stated that a memorandum will be sent to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding changing the name of Uttarakhand to ‘Bhrasht Pradesh’. He stated that they feel disappointed during the silver jubilee celebration of the State, as transport workers have contributed to the State’s economy and supported rural employment but yet, their issues do not concern the government at all. Panwar stated that their livelihood is under threat and it is becoming difficult for them to support their families. They requested the government to consider the key demands at the earliest. Panwar said that if their demands are ignored, transport operators will hold a protest at Lansdowne Chowk on November 8 at 12:30 PM and if needed, they will hold an indefinite strike.
