DIMAPUR — The North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) organised on Sunday an awareness programme for Chümoukedima autorickshaw drivers at Peace Centre Hall, Chümoukedima.
A total of 134 autorickshaw drivers attended the programme, which was moderated by Thongumo Lotha of MSW 3rd semester.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Fr. C P Anto, director of Peace Channel and principal of NEISSR, appreciated their valuable participation and highlighted their vision and mission. He stated that from this vision and mission emerged the inspiration to start welfare initiatives for autorickshaw drivers, aiming to provide information on various available government schemes and ideas or means to attain them.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Fr. Robin, assistant professor at NEISSR, spoke about the various schemes and benefits available for auto drivers in his speech and outlined NEISSR’s dreams for autorickshaw drivers, which include a nationwide drivers’ network, customer-friendly driving practises, free and fair policies, accident-free roads, awareness campaigns, skill training programmes, a digital platform, welfare schemes, additional income sources, and counselling facilities.
He also cited specific benefits like insurance policies, government schemes, assistance with clerical work, financial literacy, and family counselling.
Dr. Toli H Kiba, assistant professor at NEISSR, spoke on the occasion about autorickshaw drivers’ contributions to the community. She thanked and appreciated them for their noble service and encouraged passenger-friendly conduct.
Vice principal Fr. L Khing expressed the advantages of being honest and understanding towards passengers, adding that such drivers are more likely to attract passengers, which is of prime importance.
Representing the auto drivers, David Lotha of the Chümoukedima District Auto Drivers Union thanked NEISSR for arranging the awareness programme and taking the initiative.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Zevisanuo Khate.