THE VOICE

It is a matter of great concern that the plight of local taxi drivers has not been given a thought to despite the fact that taxis are a great service to the public, of course, at a price fixed by the concerned authority. If one is late for school/office the cabbies serve the purpose and drop us at our destinations. Talking about traffic rules, taxis are the ones that abide by these rules for the most part, except for a few who are young in this line. They earn their livelihood by the sweat of their brow and obey the rules passed by the Government from time to time. They also pay their taxes as laid down by the Department of Transport, unlike those businessmen who pay unwillingly and no doubt with manipulation. The new regulation of Stickers and Identity cards introduced by the Government of Meghalaya is welcomed by the Taxi owners and drivers wholeheartedly. In spite of this sincere service taxi drivers receive a raw deal. Traffic rules are meant for those who drive vehicles on the road, so the penalty should be the same for law breakers. But it is seen that local taxi drivers suffer the most. Ironically traffic police who are educated don't have a word of civility to speak to a cab-man except for some filthy words. Passengers who avail this service are happy but get angry once the driver charges extra fares for a hike in fuel price. Passengers know the truth but still try to brow-beat drivers by noting down their vehicle number and submitting it to the concerned authority to take action against them. Instead of raising their voices against the government for hike in fuel price and essential commodities people like to stamp on the weak.

Taxi drivers face enormous risks but no one thinks about their security? They are killed, robbed of their vehicles and also die in freak accidents. But who cares?

Many unemployed youth are earning their livelihood from plying taxis because the Government has failed to generate employment. Educated youths produced by the Board/University every year end up jobless. Isn't driving a taxi a better option than resorting to arms? Government spends crores of rupees in fighting militancy but why does it fail to root out militancy? When an educated youth does not find employment he takes up arms and then the Government requests him to surrender with a promise of a good future. But when the same person takes up some decent means of livelihood, say means that are not up to the mark, according to our so-called society they don't get their due respect from the concerned people and authority. Why is it like this?

It is high time to treat taxi drivers with the dignity they deserve.

Yours etc.,
Subash Deb