Srinagar, Mar 2: In absence of the rate list issued by the government, some transporters are allegedly charging commuters as per their whims and fancies, people alleged on Tuesday.
“The transporters are charging Rs 15 for which Rs 12 were charged previously. When we ask for the rate list, they resorted to rude language,” Adil Ahmad, a resident of Soura said.
Another resident, Fayaz Ahmad Beigh from Lal Bazar, said that he was charged Rs 8 for which Rs 6 were charged until recently.
“We know that the government has agreed to increase fare by 19 per cent but they cannot charge it until a notification is issued in this regard. There needs to a complete and detailed rate list,” he said.
Sheikh Muhammad Yusuf, General Secretary Kashmir Welfare Transporters Welfare Association, an amalgam of various transport associations, said that all the associations have expressly asked the transporters not to charge extra fare until a proper notification is issued by the government.
“If any transporter, including mini bus owners or sumo drivers, are charging more than which was applicable earlier, it is wrong. We are expecting the notification to be issued by the government soon and till than the transporters should charge was per previous approved rate list and not resort to addition of 19% on their own.”
The government last week approved 19% hike in the fares amid skyrocketing of the diesel and petrol prices. Following it, the transporters called off their proposed indefinite strike. Later office of the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha tweeted that the 19 percent hike in J&K was still lesser as compared to the fares in neighbouring states.
“Keeping in mind the interest of both the Transporters as well as the people of J&K, issues of Transporters have been resolved amicably. As a result, Transporters have decided to call off their proposed indefinite strike,” the LG’s office said in the tweet on February 24 last.
“As per past practice, annual revision of 10 percent hike in the transport fare was pending for the last 3 years. Even with the 19 percent hike, transport fare in J&K still remains lesser than our neighbouring states,” the LG’s office added.
