JAMMU: The All J&K Transport Welfare Association on Tuesday announced that it will observe a one-day token strike, citing the government’s continued failure to address long-pending and urgent demands of the transport community across the Union Territory.
Addressing a press conference, Association Chairman S. Karan Singh Wazir expressed concern over what he described as the administration’s “apathetic and lackadaisical approach” toward issues repeatedly highlighted by transporters. He stated that despite submitting multiple memorandums to the Transport Department, Transport Minister, Transport Secretary, and Transport Commissioner, no substantial action has been taken, pushing the sector into both financial and operational distress.
Key Unresolved Demands Raised by the Association
- Non-implementation of E-Bus schedules in Jammu, despite being finalized, and no progress in planning for E-Buses in Srinagar.
- A 200% increase in Fitness and Passing fees under the new MoRTH notification, imposed without considering the struggling economic condition of transporters.
- Automatic Testing and Fitness Centers remain ineffective, unable to handle the transporter volume. Association demands regularization of Fitness/Passing procedures through government-supervised facilities in all districts.
- Escalation of E-Challan issues, including blacklisting, with no relief despite meetings held with Traffic authorities.
- Transport tariff revision pending since 2021, causing severe financial burden. The Association has already submitted cost-of-operation reports, but the revised tariff structure remains unfinalized.
Wazir stated that the one-day strike is a warning call to the administration. If the government fails to take prompt action, the Association will have no option but to move toward an indefinite strike.
“The survival of thousands of transporters and their families is at stake. We appeal to the government to address our demands without further delay,” Wazir said.
