The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) has announced that it will carry out a taxi verification drive from June 24-28 in Kohima to address discrepancies in issuance of taxi permits, illegal transfer and selling of permits among other concerns.

Addressing a press conference at the youth body’s office in the state capital on Saturday, AYO president Kesosul Christopher Ltu said the organisation has been conducting independent research, analysing taxis that are plying in the state. One of the major concerns that the public is facing today, he pointed out, is the perpetual traffic congestion and unregulated issue of local and regional taxis.

Ltu said most of the taxi permits are being issued from the regional transport office but there were certain loopholes and discrepancies that need to be streamlined. Therefore, AYO formed a committee and had been doing extensive research into the matter to study measures that could help in easing the traffic problem as well as regulate the issuance of transparent and genuine permits. He informed that the youth organisation is doing this in consultation with concern authorities including district administration and stakeholders.

In the course of analysing the issues, Ltu stated that some taxi drivers were found to be driving without valid driver’s license; multiple instances of transferring of taxi permit and selling permits which indicates that it has become a sort of business.

Ltu asserted that the exercise to be carried out by AYO is to streamline all such irregularities and for the benefit of all.

The organisation called upon all taxis plying in Kohima to be undergo the verification drive for better transparency. The president also requested the taxi drivers and owners not to submit false claims.

It was informed that a verified sticker will be given to all the verified taxis which will carry a serial number with seal and signature. Taxis without the verified sticker will not be permitted to ply in Kohima, the AYO informed. Other district zonal taxis plying from Kohima will also need to get verified.

As per the organisation, Kohima currently has a total 3951– with 3262 active local and regional taxis—while there are 689 taxis whose permits are above 15 years and are still plying.

Vipu Zashümo, joint secretary AYO and Committee Member on Taxi Verification Drive stated that the organisation’s focus is on giving an extensive checking on the taxis plying in Kohima district.

He informed that even after the government’s ban on issue of taxi permit since July 6, 2022, more than 300 permits were found to be issued.

AYO questioned the concern authority on how those permits were issued against the standing order of the government.

AYO press secretary Thepfusavi Suohu, who is also a member of the committee informed that they will check the transfer of taxi permits as those permits are not transferable but it has been established that some people are practicing such activities involving transferring and selling of permits to second persons.

During the verification drive, it has been informed that the owner of the taxi should bring their Aadhaar card and necessary vehicle documents, while for drivers, Adhaar card and driving license and ANTA ID card would be required.

AYO general secretary Neidilhoutuo Sechü mentioned that the random issuing taxi permits is creating an issue and needs to be checked. He pointed out that transferring of taxi permits is a huge concern as many of such are being held by non-indigenous persons and in some cases, an individual is holding multiple permits.

With extensive and genuine checking, he expressed that it will go a long way in helping unemployed Naga youth as well. He called upon all the taxi drivers and owners to join hands and cooperate in the forthcoming verification drive.

AYO checking and verification of the documents will be done colony /stand wise from June 24, 9 AM onwards:

Day 1 (June 24): New Reserve, Lerie/CRPF Camp, AG, BOC, Hotel Japfü, Jail Colony, Agri, Forest Colony, Paramedical.

Day 2 (25June): Chandmari, PWD, Town area -Phoolbari, NST, TCP Gate, Hospital Colony, Old MLA Hostel Junction, Local Ground, Razhü Point.

Day 3 (June 26): High School, Khikha Colony, Secreteriat Area, ISBT

Day 4 (June 27 and 28): All regional and zonal taxis plying through and in Kohima, and all local taxis not having specific parking.

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