SHILLONG: State Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has stated that the government’s doors are always open for two-wheeler commercial operators to come forward and express their grievances.
This statement comes in the wake of bike taxi operators meeting with the District Officer of the Transport Department to demand individual permits that would allow them to operate freely.
Speaking to media persons, the Minister shared that he has received preliminary information regarding the issues faced by commercial two-wheeler riders.
He emphasized that the Transport Department is fully prepared and willing to hold discussions to address their concerns. However, he noted that certain outside companies operating in the state might not have obtained the mandatory trading license from the Autonomous District Council, which could be causing the administrative bottleneck.
He clarified that he cannot definitively confirm this at the moment but will provide total clarity after holding a meeting with department officials, likely in the coming week.
The Dy CM stressed that the government’s primary role is to assist citizens and ensure that necessary licenses are issued to everyone who requires them. He suggested that the current delay might stem from incomplete documentation required to move forward with the process.
He assured that if all paperwork is found to be in order, he will immediately direct his officials to issue the licenses, as the department’s initial reports indicate the dispute primarily revolves around the trading license and the transport department’s own operational permits.
Furthermore, Dhar disclosed that the government has already decided to grant commercial permits not just to large aggregates or companies, but also to individuals who wish to operate bike taxis.
He highlighted that the government is highly supportive of such self-employment ventures, praising the youth who earn a living as two-wheeler operators, tourist guides, and restaurant owners, as the administration is keen on creating employment opportunities for the youth.
He reiterated that the government is here to support young people and has no intention of causing hardships to anyone, though certain legal guidelines and regulations must be followed. He invited the operators to meet with him personally for further discussions.
Notably, this developments follows a recent crackdown where Transport Department enforcement personnel detained and fined several bike taxi riders, prompting the operators to approach the District Officer to voice their grievances after having already submitted a formal written petition to the Transport Department requesting the immediate issuance of individual permits to independent riders.
