AYO detects anomalies in taxi permit system

The Angami Youth Organization (AYO) has reportedly uncovered multiple irregularities in the issuance and use of taxi permits during its verification drive held from June 24 to July 2, 2025.
At a press conference held at the AYO office on Saturday, AYO officials called for urgent reforms, including the formulation of a state-specific Motor Transport Policy.
AYO committee member Megokolie Pier informed that 2,412 taxis were verified during the drive and issued verification stickers. Of these, only 843 taxis were registered under the first owner, while the rest had changed ownership up to five times. He said 1,569 taxis were in the hands of second to fifth owners, and 448 taxis had registration numbers post NL01TA0703.
Megokolie also revealed that 544 taxis were being driven by non-local drivers, while 415 were under the ownership of non-indigenous inhabitants. He said that 1,109 taxis were self-owned and self-driven.
During the verification, Megokolie said AYO found disturbing instances of permit misuse– including two permits issued under the names of 7 and 8 year-old children. He said many permit holders sold their permits within a few months of acquisition. AYO also noted that several drivers did not possess valid ANTA ID cards.
He alleged that some taxi permits were obtained through connections, even at the ministerial level.
Another AYO committee member Vipu Zashümo clarified that the verification was a self-initiated exercise by AYO after receiving an unsatisfactory response to an RTI filed in 2024. The RTI had sought details on permits issued post the July 6, 2022 order, which had prohibited new taxi permits. Despite the standing order, he said over 577 permits were reportedly issued.
In view of this, he said AYO had carried out the verification drive to get the facts.
He said that some permit holders had paid between Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 95,000 to acquire taxi permits. These were meant for the unemployed youth, he said and asked “Is the government or the concerned department not robbing them?”
He added that almost all empty spaces in Kohima town were now occupied by taxi stands. He also informed that some private vehicles had been painted with colors meant for taxis and were plying without valid permits.
He further flagged concerns with traffic congestion in Kohima, noting that more than 3,000 taxis were plying in the town. He questioned how the town could grow when many old taxis continue to ply and some drivers are not properly qualified, thus putting commuter safety at risk.
He further revealed that during the 12-day verification drive, AYO found several taxis operating without valid permits. “The validity of a local taxi permit is five years, after which it must be renewed. However, some permits have been renewed for over two to three decades, while others are being used despite having expired,” he added.
There were also cases where permits were passed between multiple owners and even cases of forged photos on documents, the AYO claimed.
The organization further questioned why some permits were found in the names of government servants and why individuals were allowed to hold three to four permits each.
AYO president Kesosul Christopher Ltu stated that the drive was originally planned for eight days but was extended due to huge number. He said the initiative aimed to address traffic congestion, parking shortages, and help educated unemployed youth by regulating the taxi sector.
He informed that a genuine permit costs a nominal fee and is valid for five years, with annual tax and road tax requirements. However, he lamented that the system was skewed in favour of the rich and influential, depriving deserving individuals.
Ltu urged the state government to table and pass a Motor Transport Policy in the Assembly, stressing the need for strict compliance in permit issuance.
He warned that taxis that failed to participate in the verification drive would not be allowed to ply and would be held responsible for any future action taken by the AYO. He appealed to commuters to choose services from verified taxis bearing the official stickers for safety and accountability.