Government fulfills long-pending demand of AITP taxi operators: Deputy CM
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today here said that the state government was taking the necessary steps to implement the provision extending the maximum operational life of All India Tourist Permit (AITP) vehicles from 12 years to 15 years. He said that with this the long-pending demand of AITP taxi operators in Himachal Pradesh has been fulfilled.
He said the Transport Department has issued the necessary orders and notified the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), enabling eligible AITP vehicles to avail themselves of the benefit under the revised provisions.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the decision would provide major relief to thousands of taxi operators associated with the tourism and transport sectors across the State. He said that the demand had been consistently raised by vehicle operators for a long time and its implementation would significantly reduce the financial burden on operators while strengthening their livelihoods by allowing eligible vehicles to remain in service for up to 15 years.
Mukesh Agnihotri said he had strongly taken up the issue with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, highlighting the concerns of All India Tourist Permit taxi operators in Himachal Pradesh. He apprised the Union Government of thousands of families in the tourism-dependent State rely on AITP vehicles for their livelihood, making the extension of the operational period a pressing necessity. Following the amendment of the relevant rules by the Central Government, the state government acted promptly to ensure their effective implementation by issuing all necessary orders.
He said that under the revised provisions, eligible AITP vehicles with a registration period of less than 15 years would be allowed to continue operations after fulfilling the prescribed conditions. Vehicle owners would be required to possess a valid fitness certificate, registration certificate, insurance, pollution under control (PUC) certificate, proof of payment of all applicable taxes and government dues and compliance with other statutory requirements. He said that to ensure transparency and uniformity in the implementation process, he had directed the transport department to issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
The Deputy Chief Minister said the decision would not only provide financial relief to taxi operators but also strengthen state’s tourism sector by ensuring improved transport services, particularly during the peak tourist season. He said the move would safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on the sector.
He said that the state government would continue to take positive and practical decisions to address their genuine concerns and protect their interests.
