Angami Youth Organisation to conduct Kohima taxi verification drive

KOHIMA — A local and zonal taxi verification drive, in consultation with the regional transport office and district administration, will be carried out by the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) in Kohima from June 24 to the 28th at the AYO office.

This was announced during a press conference on Saturday at the AYO office in Kohima, addressed by Vipu Zashümo, joint secretary of AYO and committee member for the taxi verification drive; Thepfusavi Suohu, press secretary of AYO and committee member for the taxi verification drive; Kesosil Christopher Ltu, president of AYO; and Neidilhoutuo Neibu Sechü, general secretary of AYO, along with other executive members.

They said they have spent several months analysing and researching the taxis operating in the district. Their main concern remains the regular traffic congestion and the lack of regulation of local and regional taxis.

It was stated that most taxi permits are issued by the Kohima Regional Transport Office, but there are loopholes and discrepancies that require correction. In response, the AYO has formed a committee to conduct thorough research and has proposed measures aimed at reducing traffic congestion and ensuring a more transparent and genuine process for issuing taxi permits.

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They stated that their focus is primarily on conducting extensive checks on the taxis operating in Kohima district. In their research, they discovered that despite the ban on issuing taxi permits from July 6, 2022, more than 300 permits were issued within three years. They questioned the concerned authority on how the permits were issued in violation of the government’s standing order.

Maintaining that taxi permit ownership is not transferable, so they will check for this as well as for duplicate permits, the AYO urged taxi owners to bring their Aadhaar card, necessary vehicle documents for registration, and All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) registration card. They also requested drivers to bring their driving licences.

They added that taxi permit ownership is non-transferable, and they will verify this along with checking for duplicate permits. Taxi owners are asked to bring their Aadhaar card, relevant vehicle documents for registration, and All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) registration card. Drivers are also required to provide their driving licence number.

It was opined that random issuance of taxi permits over the years has contributed to traffic congestion.

They informed that when taxis come for verification, the AYO will provide an official verified sticker with a serial number. Taxis without the permitted sticker will not be allowed to operate in Kohima district.

It was also reported that, based on the RTI, there are 3,262 active local and regional taxis in Kohima, and the permits for 689 taxis have been valid for over 15 years, making a total of 3,951.

They said they have consulted with the ANTA and held a meeting. They also clarified that while permits are optional for regional taxis running between districts, they are mandatory for zonal and local taxis from Kohima.

Verification drive schedule

On the specified days, the taxi owners and drivers are requested to arrive at the AYO office by 9 am. On the first day, June 24, the verification will focus on taxis operating in the New Reserve area, Lerie, CRPF camp, AG, BOC, Japfu Hotel, Jail Colony, Agriculture and Forest, and Paramedical areas.

On June 25, the second day, taxis running from Chandmari, PWD, and the Town area—including Phoolbari, NST, TCP, Hospital Colony, Old MLA Hostel Junction, Local Ground, and Razhu Point—will be checked.

The third day, June 26, will cover taxis operating in the High School area, Kikha Colony, Secretariat Colony, and ISBT.

The final two days, June 27 and 28, are reserved for regional taxis operating across all zones of Kohima district, including those travelling between Kohima and Dimapur, as well as taxis without a designated parking stand, as mentioned earlier.

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