GUWAHATI: The All Assam State Drivers’ Union launched a hunger strike on Wednesday, November 20, calling for urgent action on long-pending issues affecting drivers in the state. The protest, supported by the All Assam Cab Welfare Federation, highlights grievances against unfair wages, high aggregator commissions, and illegal commercial operations by private vehicles.
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Speaking to GPlus, Dhrubaraj Axom, a senior official of the All Assam Cab Owners Association, emphasised the critical demands of the drivers' unions:
Crackdown on Illegal Operations: Drivers are demanding strict action against private vehicles operating commercially without paying the required taxes.
Fair Compensation: A 2019 directive ensuring drivers earn Rs 30-35 per km remains unimplemented, leaving them with just Rs 12-13 per km.
Reduced Commissions: Aggregator platforms currently charge 30-40% commission per trip, far exceeding the 20% cap mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019.
Revised Fare Structures: The unions are calling for updated fare charts that reflect rising fuel prices and essential costs.
The protest is being led by the Assam State Drivers’ Union, which is affiliated with the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT). National General Secretary of IFAT, Shaik Salauddin, has expressed solida