NEW DELHI, Oct 9: The much talked about Sikkim model of taxi system which allows only the state registered cabs to ferry incoming tourists has drawn criticism from the Centre, neighbouring West Bengal government and the state government itself over issues like overcharging, inconvenience to tourists and others.
The Union Tourism Ministry has expressed concern over the “exploitative” cab and permit rates in Sikkim. This follows numerous grievances lodged by tourists, highlighted in a letter from the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) earlier. Several tourists including one former high official of the central government had complained in writing to the ministry about the “exploitation” by some taxi operators of Sikkim during the visit to main tourist spots like Nathu La.
Taking it seriously, the Tourism Ministry in a letter urged the Sikkim Tourism department to address these issues, which include safety concerns at Nathu La Point, inadequate infrastructure, lack of amenities, and high cab rental charges. The ministry recommended that the state examine and take appropriate action, according to official sources.
In response, Sikkim Tourism department had acknowledged the ongoing issue of high taxi fares, which has been a recurring problem each tourist season and admitted that controlling taxi fares falls under the purview of the State Transport department. The ministry noted that despite several meetings with the Transport department, the issue remains unresolved.
The persistent issue of unregulated taxi fares and poor road conditions continues to impact Sikkim’s tourism negatively. Stakeholders hope that suitable policies and better enforcement will restore confidence and improve the visitors’ experience.
Meanwhile, a delegation of different associations representing transporters who run tourist vehicles from West Bengal to Sikkim has flagged a slew of issues, seeking the intervention of the State Transport Authority (STA). The issues, they said, are affecting their business as well as untold inconvenience to tourists and need to be resolved immediately.
The delegation submitted a memorandum to the joint secretary of STA, mentioning that vehicles from Sikkim can take tourists sightseeing to different areas like the Bengal Safari Park. But West Bengal cabs are not allowed to take tourists for sightseeing in Sikkim, particularly in areas like Namchi, Ravangla and other places.
Incidentally, the Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum (MRTF) has urged the state government to carefully consider a demand for a ban on Assam-registered tourist taxis, cautioning that such a measure could harm the tourism industry.
It submitted a memorandum to the state government criticising the ban which has been proposed by the All-Meghalaya Khasi Tourist Taxi Association (AMKTTA) as “legally untenable” and harmful to the local economy.
MRTF members, joined by traditional heads and representatives from Ri-Bhoi, Jaintia Hills, and Khasi Hills had attended a meeting on September 30 wherein they opposed the AMKTTA’s demand to stop Assam-registered taxis from ferrying passengers in Meghalaya.
Furthermore, the forum argued that the ban tends to violate the Constitution’s guarantee of interstate commerce.
In their memorandum, the forum acknowledged AMKTTA’s right to protect local drivers’ interests, stressing that banning Assam-registered taxis could cripple tourism and hurt the state’s economy. Many taxis operate on All India Tourist permits and legally cannot be stopped from operating tourist places.
Even if such taxis are allowed up to the capital and local taxis take over from Shillong to tourist places like Sohra or Dawki the same would become very inconvenient to the visitors. Suitable cabs cannot always be available for such travellers.
Unlike Sikkim, Meghalaya has a unique position as a transit state for residents from Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam. This makes the Sikkim model which is already under fire more unsuitable.
Moreover, an All-India Tourist Permit is an official document issued by the State Transport Authority to commercial vehicles for carrying tourists and their luggage across India and it is valid throughout the country. Some states and union territories can impose taxes on tourist vehicles with a valid permit, such as passenger tax, border tax, and check post tax.
