The week-long taxi verification drive initiated by the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) along with All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) entered the second day on June 25.

The initiative is aims at identifying and eliminating illegal permit transfers, ensuring that all taxi drivers possess valid licenses, and bringing a layer of accountability to public transportation in the state capital.
“A total of 669 taxi permits have been verified as of today and official stickers have been issued to taxis with complete and up-to-date documentation,” AYO general secretary Neidilhoutuo Sechü said.
Clarifying on the registration amount of Rs.150 per taxi, the youth leader highlighted that the amount is being collected for paper processing and sticker issuance. He said lapses and irregularities in the issuing of taxi permits is the main reason that AYO is undertaking the verification drive. He stated that permits were indiscriminately being transferred to third/fourth parties which is why the youth body has taken up the task in consultation with the concerned authorities and stakeholders.

“Since the initiative of taxi verification has started, we are in close coordination with transport office and district administration and also sitting with stakeholders like ANTA,” he informed.

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Sechü also highlighted that their intention is to streamline the public transportation system. He said AYO will be bringing out a fact-finding report.

Taking into consideration that the government ordered 6th July 2022 as the last date for issuing of taxi permits, he pointed out AYO has found out that more than 300 permits were issued after the stipulated date. He said that the organisation also filed an RTI.

Victor Rütsa, ANTA assistant treasurer also reiterated that the verification is streamlining the misuse of permit.  Referring to the protest made by some of the taxi drivers at ISBT against AYO’s move on June 24, Rütsa said ANTA has had advance discussions with AYO however there was miscommunication among some taxi drivers leading to the protest. He confirmed that the issue has been resolved.
The AYO issued verified stickers would serve as an immediate visual assurance for passengers, helping to distinguish registered vehicles from unauthorized operators, AYO officials added.

On June 26, the verification drive would be carried out for various localities in Kohima including High School, Khikha Colony, Secretariat and ISBT areas.