J-K transporters assured time bound action on demands

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir sought the cooperation of transporters in improving the sector and dealing with road safety issues in the state, assuring time-bound action on their demands.
Transporters in Jammu, earlier this month, had threatened indefinite strike in protest against the alleged failure of the government to address their issues including withdrawal of increased fees and taxes, penalties and amnesty scheme in the passenger tax.
Transport commissioner Saugat Biswas held a marathon meeting with the transporters of Jammu division here yesterday to address various issues pertaining to the industry, an official spokesman said today.
He said issues including annual fitness fees of vehicles over 15 years of age, issues related to driving licenses for auto drivers, use of reflector tapes, replacements of vehicles and charging of 'Adda'(stand) fees were discussed.

Passenger tax, suitable location of inspection of vehicles, revision of fees and taxes and amenity scheme for passenger tax were some other issues which were discussed in the meeting that spanned over three hours, the spokesman said.
The transport commissioner assured time bound action in respect of each of the issues.

Biswas said he would follow up with the concerned quarters, all other issues which pertain to other departments or are required to be settled by the government.
"While every effort shall be made to ensure ease of doing business to the transporters, the motor vehicles department shall not compromise on ensuring on safety of passengers, fitness of vehicles and driver compliances," the commissioner said and sought positive support from the transporters for ensuring the same.

Biswas also appealed to the transporters to extend their cooperation in implementing measures aiming at improving the transport sector and road safety issues, the spokesman said.