E-rickshaw operators in Silchar demand inclusion of all vehicles under new odd-even rule, Threaten mass movement

In a significant gathering on Sunday, E-rickshaw drivers convened at Matri Mandir on Vivekananda Road, under the banner of E-rickshaw Kalyan Parishad. After meeting, the members expressed the opinion that they would accept the new odd-even formula proposed by the Government for E-rickshaws only when the same rule is applied to other private and commercial vehicles like cars, bikes, auto-rickshaws, and E-autos. They demanded for equity in the implementation of the odd-even formula across all vehicle categories.

Additionally, they pressed for a 50% reduction in E-Rickshaw taxes, as they would be able to operate their vehicles only 15 days a month if the new rule is implemented. The drivers, voicing their concerns, urged the District Administration to halt the new registration of E-rickshaws and further requested the administration to provide them with 15 days of work during which they would abstain from driving. They are of the opinion that the traffic congestion in Silchar can be alleviated if new registration for E-rickshaws is prohibited from now on.

President Bishwapati Das, Secretary Asit Das, Treasurer Samalendu Das, Suranjit Sarkar, Kalipada Das, Bikram Debnath, Kanchan Dev and Mihir Kanti Choudhury were present during the press conference.

With a sense of urgency, the drivers conveyed that in the event their demands are not addressed, they are prepared to initiate a mass movement in the near future.