Mini Bus Owners Association lodged a brief protest against the Government and demanded economic package for them and their drivers and conductors. Chairman of the Association, Tara Chand and president, Vimal Kumar said that mini-buses are not operational for the past 72 days in the region due to lock down amid COVID-19.

Delhi Govt gave package to the autorikshaw operators, small scale unit holders and others but here in Jammu and Kashmir, the drivers and conductors are facing starvation. They pointed out that families of the drivers and conductors who earn on daily basis, are facing starvation. The owners are also suffering heavy losses.

They have to pay Rs 280 per day for the documents of the vehicle. The ensurance value of the vehicle comes out to be between Rs 37000 to Rs 40,000 annually. Out of this amount over 5500 goes to the Govt as GST. They have to pay the loans of the vehicles alongwith interest and they are under intense pressure due to these issues. The Association said the Government in order to cover up the losses increased tax on liquor to 50 % and also opened all the wine shops, where huge rush is observed every day but is not allowing operation of mini-buses and other vehicles.

They said Association has written the letters to the Union Finance Minister and Transpoprt Minister on April 19, 2020 and also on May 16, 2020 but there was no response at all. They demanded that mini-buses be allowed to operate besides buses at least with more than 50 % passengers so that drivers, operators and owners could also earn their livelihood. This is the segment in the society which earns its livelihood on daily basis.

The Finance Minister should come out for their rescue, they added. General secretary, Balwinder Singh, members- Sanjeev Sharma, S K Kesar, Harjeet Singh, Malkeet Singh and others also appealed for the special economic package.