SHILLONG, AUG 8: Taxi owners and drivers on Monday decided to observe a black flag day on August 11, to protest against the “frequent” hike on premium for insurance of vehicle and failure to regulate the inter-state vehicles.
Under the banner of the East Khasi Hills Local Taxis and Welfare Association (EKHLTWA), the taxis will be fitted with black flags while plying and carrying passengers on the city streets.
Addressing newsmen on Monday, EKHLTWA general secretary Wandonbok Jyrwa said, “We have decided to oppose the decision on frequent hikes on the third-party motor insurance premium.”
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irdai) has decided to increase the premiums making the insurance of vehicle including cars and bikes costlier.
He informed that the decision to increase the third party motor insurance premium from Rs 6556 to Rs 13, 300 is unacceptable as this will affect the people.
“It is in view of this, we have decided to observe a black flag day on August 11 as a mark of protest against such decision,” Jyrwa said.
Appealing to political parties to take up the matter with the centre as well as state governments, Jyrwa said, “We want that such hike be relaxed in Meghalaya considering the fact that it is a scheduled tribe state.” According to him, there has to be some exemption from such unreasonable hike for the state of Meghalaya.
On the other hand, the taxi association leader expressed concern over the failure of the state government to check and regulate the flow of inter-state commercial vehicles.
“The manner in which the inter-state vehicles are allowed to enter the state has affected the local taxis in the state,” he said while pointing out that these outside vehicles are earning from carrying tourists to the various tourist spots in the state.
When asked, Jyrwa said the association suggested the state government and also KHADC to have a system in place to issue special permit for such vehicles and for police authority to keep a check on them.
Stating that this will bring revenue to the state’s exchequer, he also said that the association also proposes the government to come out with some sort of notification directing them to park their vehicles in a designated place. “From here, the tourists can take local taxis for travelling to the tourist spots,” he asserted.-By Our Reporter
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