GUWAHATI: Thousands of local cab drivers in Guwahati are preparing for a 48-hour hunger strike starting November 20, under the banner of the Assam State Drivers’ Association and the All Assam Cab Welfare Federation. The protest aims to highlight long-standing issues with cab aggregators and demand government action to protect drivers’ rights and livelihoods.
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Drivers allege that cab aggregators have been exploiting them, leading to frequent conflicts between drivers and passengers due to flawed aggregator policies. Despite repeated pleas to the Assam government and Transport Department to implement a strong policy ensuring safety and fair treatment for both drivers and passengers, drivers say their appeals have been ignored.
Talking to GPlus, Dhurbaraj Axom, President of All Assam State Driver Union said, "The current situation has put us in a position where earning a stable income or even affording a meal is challenging. Thousands of drivers, who once hoped for financial stability, are now burdened by poor health, heavy debts, and an inability to afford basic needs, such as renewing vehicle documentation or covering their children's education"
Key Demands of the Cab Drivers:
* Commission Cap: Enforce a cap on aggregator commission fees, limiting them to 20%, as per the 2019 Central Motor Vehicles Act. Currently, platforms like Ola and Uber charge 30-40% commissions, leaving drivers with reduced earnings.
* Fair Earnings Policy: Develop a fair income standard for drivers that accounts for rising fuel costs and other expenses.
* Ban on Private Vehicles in Commercial Operations: Prohibit the use of private vehicles for commercial cab services to protect drivers’ earnings.
* Airport Parking: Provide free parking facilities for cabs at the airport, easing the burden on drivers.
* Health and Pension Benefits: Ensure health insurance and provident fund (PF) benefits for cab drivers, as well as a minimum pension of Rs. 10,000 for drivers above 60.
* Safety Measures: Equip every cab with a CCTV camera to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers.
* Reduce Tax and Penalty Burdens: Curb the excessive taxes and fines imposed on cab drivers, which add to financial strain.
* Inclusion in Poverty Alleviation Programmes: Give priority to cab drivers in poverty alleviation schemes, recognising their essential role in the urban transport sector.
* Social Security Law for Cab Drivers: Introduce social security laws for cab drivers, focusing on welfare and long-term support.
Cab drivers have urged the people of Assam to recognise their hardships and support them in the struggle against the “exploitative practices” of aggregator companies and the lack of effective government intervention.