SUMIT HAKHOO
Jammu, Sept 22: Succumbing to the mounting pressure of striking transporters, the government today ordered 15 per cent hike in the passenger fare after reaching an agreement with the representatives of transport unions at a three hour long meeting  in Srinagar.
 Officials said the notification for the same will be issued next week after cabinet consent, forcing the already overburdened common man to shell more for the fare.
 Meanwhile the transporter unions called off the strike and resumed the passenger services after remaining suspended for two days.
 As per the agreement, the government agreed to a fare hike of 15 percent for buses, 16 percent  for auto-rickshaws, 14 percent for mini-buses and 12 percent for taxis.
 The government held three rounds of talks with the transporters. The first and second rounds failed to achieve any breakthrough with the transporters remaining adamant on increase of 30 per cent.
 However, on the intervention of Commissioner Secretary Finance Sudanshu Pandey an agreement was reached at between the two sides.
 “Government has accepted 15 per cent hike in the passenger fare across the state and assured that it will be notified accordingly. We have called off the strike,” said Anil Chopra, president All Jammu & Kashmir Passenger Transport Association (AJKPTA).
 Sources said that though talks between the two sides ended in deadlock yesterday, a breakthrough was achieved on the intervention of Pandey, who official said played an important role to resolve the issue.
 Sources said that though the authorized sub-committee did not accept the 30 per cent hike in the fare as sought by the transporters, but it has assured that the government will revise the same from time to time.
 Transporters were pushing for the hike for last one year threatening to go on strike if their demands were not met.
 When contacted, Minister for Transport said hike has been accepted and final decision will be taken by the cabinet. “You will get to know about the whole fare structure soon,” Minister said.
 The last hike in the passenger fare was ordered in June 2010, when the government had enhanced the fare by 13 per cent with assurance that it would be revived in proportion to the increase in the fuel prices in future.
 Later a committee was constituted on June 28 this year for recommending further revision in the fare. The committee had to submit its report within 15 days which it failed to present till date.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 22 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 IST