Taxi drivers associations today converged at Dkhiah West in East Jaintia Hills to celebrate the 7th Drivers Day.
The celebrations this year was hosted by the East Jaiñtia Taxi’s Owners Drivers Association at Teilang Playground which was attended by various taxi drivers associations from West Khasi Hills, West Jaiñtia Hills, East Khasi Hills and the Garo Hills.
The programme was also attended by the Synjuk ki Waheh Shnong East Jaiñtia Hills District, Jaiñtia Students Union Khliehriat Circle and officials from the District Transport Office.
Motor Vehicle Inspector Heimonmi Dkhar who attended the programme as the chief guest, in his speech highlighted the dangers of overspeeding, overtaking and drunken driving. He urged drivers to follow traffic rules and called on associations to work in coordination with the DTO.
Chairman of the Joint Action Committee of the Meghalaya Commercial Vehicles, also East Khasi Hills Local Taxi Welfare Association president, Wandonbok Jyrwa said drivers are the backbone of the economy and ought to be recognised.
He said the committee will speak to the All India Trade Union to urge the centre to fix February 12 as the national drivers’ day, not only for commercial drivers but for all who drive a vehicle.
Jyrwa also stressed on collaborating with the Meghalaya Aid Control Society to create awareness about prevention of HIV and AIDS among drivers. He also spoke on problems faced by drivers in obtaining permits and lack of parking spaces of commercial vehicles.
Others who spoke were President of the Synjuk Waheh Shnong East Jaiñtia Hills District, Jespar Bareh, President Jaiñtia Students Union Khliehriat Circle, Livingson Sama, President East Jaiñtia Taxi Owners and Drivers Association, Tiplang Rymbai, Phornes Marwein from Mawkyrwat, MACS team and others.
