Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEP 24 (NPN): All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA), which has more than 2,000 active members in Kohima and units in almost all districts, has sought more designated parking spaces for taxis and a revision of fares amid rising fuel costs.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, ANTA president Dziesevituo Solo said the association was discussing the parking issue with the government and had earlier proposed a fare of Rs 42 per kilometre. He said taxi fares remained regulated by the government and that the association’s concerns over rising operating costs needed to be addressed. He said ANTA had units in all districts except Mon and Niuland, with efforts underway to bring Niuland under the association.
He said local drivers now constituted the majority of taxi operators in the State.
Solo also highlighted ANTA’s welfare initiatives, including annual education awards for drivers’ children, free ambulance and vehicle recovery services, interest-free assistance for drivers involved in accidents, medical camps and seasonal support for economically weaker families. He said this year 48 students were awarded under the association’s education programme.
He said almost all taxi drivers were covered by health insurance under a government initiative, while ANTA also conducts annual training for drivers serving tourists during the Hornbill Festival in coordination with the Tourism Department.
The association has also introduced the Ura Cab app in coordination with ANTA, with registered taxis identified by tags for passengers using the service.
On regulation, Solo said drivers were required to carry valid documents and comply with applicable requirements for operating taxis. He said ANTA also receives passenger complaints through its helpline and a complaint box at the Inter-State Bus Terminal, with improper parking and taxis blocking garages among the common grievances.
On taxation by underground groups, Solo said ANTA had not paid such taxes for nearly four years despite continuing demands. He reiterated the association’s position in support of “one tax, one government”. ANTA collects a line fee of Rs 20 per taxi per day across districts, Solo added.