A deputation of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi E-Rickshaw and E-Auto Union called on senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders at the party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, and submitted a memorandum highlighting the grievances and demands of e-rickshaw and e-auto operators.
The deputation, led by Union President Gourav Kapoor, met J&K BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma in the presence of J&K BJP General Secretary Baldev Singh Billawaria, MLA Ch Vikram Randhawa, senior leader Vibodh Gupta, Office Secretary Tilak Gupta, SC Morch President Dharminder Kumar, Sanjeev Sharma, Satish Shastri, and other party leaders.
During the interaction, the Union members expressed serious concerns regarding the fare structure and operational policies imposed on e-rickshaw and e-auto operators in Jammu city. They stated that there is a significant disparity between the operational costs of e-rickshaws and e-autos and the fare rates fixed by the Transport Department, making it increasingly difficult for operators to sustain their livelihood.
The deputation informed the BJP leadership that the proposed zoning system for Jammu city, under which routes are reportedly being restricted to short distances of 2 to 4 kilometers, would adversely affect their earnings and daily operations. They also raised objections to the mandatory installation of electronic meters, stating that the fare rates notified by the department are not practical or economically viable.
The Union demanded that the fare structure be fixed on a per-passenger basis rather than on a per-kilometer basis. They further termed the proposed zoning system as unjustified and sought its immediate withdrawal. The members also pointed out that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently promoted green and sustainable energy initiatives, the restrictions being imposed on e-rickshaw operators are negatively impacting those who have adopted eco-friendly means of transport for their livelihood.
Listening patiently to the deputation, Sat Sharma assured the Union members that the BJP would take up their concerns with the appropriate authorities and make every possible effort for an early and just resolution of their issues.
Sat Sharma, addressing the deputation, said that the BJP is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of every section of society. He said that the concerns raised by the e-rickshaw and e-auto operators are genuine and deserve serious consideration. He said that the BJP will ensure that their issues are taken up at the appropriate level so that a practical and people-friendly solution can be worked out.
Sat Sharma further announced that a committee comprising Baldev Singh Billawaria and Ch Vikram Randhawa would be constituted to hold detailed discussions with the Union representatives and prepare a comprehensive report on the matter before taking it up with the concerned authorities.
Sat Sharma added that the BJP works on the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stressed that the BJP will not allow injustice to be done to any hardworking citizen, particularly those who are contributing towards environment-friendly transportation and sustainable development.