By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Several local taxi associations have come under one umbrella, Local Taxi Joint Action Committee (LTJAC), to demand an immediate review of the recent multiple revision of vehicular taxes.
The LTJAC has also sought a public hearing on the issue since, it said, main impact of the to four-to-five times hike of the taxes would fall on the general public.
“We will have no option but to hike the transportation fares to balance with the new rate of taxes,” LTJAC chairman Daiamond Stone Lyngdoh told a press conference on Monday.
The Committee has also threatened not to accept the new taxi fare to be fixed by the Government if it is not on par with the revised taxes.
“We appeal to all vehicle owners to refrain from clearing the taxes till the issue is resolved,” the LTJAC chairman said.
New taxi fares delayed: The State Government is likely to take more time to announce the new taxi fares pending a Cabinet approval on the proposal in this regard.
Transport Minister AT Mondal on Monday informed a delegation of the East Khasi Hills Local Taxi Welfare Association about the delay.
“The minister told us that the new taxi fares could not be finalised since Chief Minister Mukul Sangma is out of station and the matter could not be taken up in the Cabinet,” EKHLTWA general secretary Wandambok Jyrwa said.
Earlier, the Government had assured the cabbies that the new fares would be implemented by July 13.
The cabbies have been demanding for a revision of the taxi fares due to the frequent hike in fuel prices this year.