Srinagar, May 8 (NVI): Kashmir transporters on Friday deferred their proposed May 12 strike after a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Transport Minister Satish Sharma and senior officials over several issues concerning the transport sector in the Valley.
During the meeting, representatives of various transport associations raised concerns related to Smart City buses, free bus services, green tax, permits, outside-registered vehicles and other operational issues affecting local transporters.
The minister assured the transporters that the government is committed to ensuring a balanced and people-centric public transport system while safeguarding the interests and livelihoods of local transport operators.
He said all genuine concerns projected during the meeting would be examined through a transparent and consultative approach.
Sharma also stressed better coordination among transport agencies and directed officials to work closely with stakeholders to resolve issues related to Smart City buses and other services in a time-bound manner.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including the Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Transport Commissioner J&K, Managing Director RTC, Regional Transport Officer Kashmir and representatives of transport bodies from Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, transporters’ leader Shabir Ahmad Matta said the government had invited transport representatives for discussions following repeated representations regarding issues faced by the sector.
He said a committee has been formed and meetings would be held every 15 days to address the concerns raised by transporters.
Matta said the government assured transporters that no major decision regarding the sector would be taken without consulting stakeholders.
He further said the proposed strike scheduled for May 12 has been deferred for now in view of the assurances given by the authorities.
“If our issues are resolved, there will be no strike. Otherwise, the future course of action will be decided accordingly,” he said.(NVI)
