Srinagar, Dec 31 (JKNS): In a significant appeal highlighting the growing concerns of the transport fraternity, the Entrepreneur Youth Traders Association (EYTA) has sought a two-month grace period from the Traffic Police Jammu and Kashmir and the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) for taxi owners operating vehicles registered outside the Union Territory to complete the transfer of mandatory documents.
Addressing the issue, EYTA Vice President / KSS chief Dr.Firdous Baba said that hundreds of taxi operators are grappling with genuine procedural, technical, and administrative hurdles, making it difficult to comply within the existing deadline. He warned that a rigid approach could force many drivers to halt their operations or park their vehicles on roads in protest, potentially leading to serious inconvenience for commuters and disruption of essential transport services.
Baba urged the authorities to follow a balanced and humanitarian approach, stressing that these taxis are the sole source of livelihood for numerous families across the Valley. He said that abrupt enforcement, especially during the harsh winter period, could push drivers into financial distress and create avoidable chaos on city roads.
“The situation calls for sensitivity and an understanding of the realities faced by drivers on the ground. Granting a reasonable transition period will ensure smooth compliance with the rules while safeguarding the livelihoods of transport operators and preventing inconvenience to the public,” Baba said.
He further added that a temporary relaxation would not undermine regulatory objectives but would, in fact, strengthen compliance by allowing taxi owners sufficient time to complete formalities in an orderly manner. Such a step, he said, would also help the administration maintain traffic discipline and public order.
Reiterating its readiness to cooperate fully with the administration, EYTA appealed for swift and positive intervention by the Traffic Police and RTO authorities. The association expressed confidence that a timely decision in the larger public interest would help avert unnecessary unrest and ensure uninterrupted transport services across Jammu and Kashmir. (JKNS)
