AIRTWF urges

IMPHAL, Jun 7 : The All India Road Transport Workers' Federation (AIRTWF) has written to Transport Minister Khashim Vashum to address the woes of Inter-State bus workers, truck drivers and employees of the Transport Department caused by absence of proper infrastructure and low wages among others.
In a letter addressed to the Transport Minister, AIRTWF deputy general secretary R Lakshmaiah alleged that police collecting illegal taxes from the transporters has become the order of the day and the same has to be addressed forthwith.
He also claimed that the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Khuman Lampak  was constructed with huge investment to provide better facilities to the commuters and transporters alike but the same is in a very bad condition and not in a position for utilisation.
Lakshmaiah then urged the Minister to initiate necessary measures immediately so as to improve the condition of the bus terminal. Continuing that the wages and working  conditions of the private bus workers are deplorable and no statutory benefits are entitled to them, R Lakshmaiah maintained that urgent attention is required to provide better wages and working conditions to them.
Lakshmaiah also said that oil tankers carrying fuel from Assam and other States have been facing many problems in obtaining interstate permits.
Maintaining that transportation is the lifeline of a Nation and its economy, he said that these workers are being neglected though they have been working round the clock in all climatic conditions.
"There is an urgent need to bring out a legislation to ensure social security for transport workers," he added.
Claiming that the condition of the majority of Transport Department offices in Manipur are in shambles, he continued that shortage of employees and engagement of persons on contractual basis in key posts are creating problems.
He then urged the Transport Minister to fill the vacant posts on a regular basis.
Lakshmaiah also claimed that salaries and allowances of the Transport staff are the lowest in Manipur when compared to other North East States.