STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The All J&K Transport Welfare Association (AJKTWA) has issued a statement updating the public and stakeholders on the developments following the successful observance of its one-day token strike (Chakka Jam) on 15th December.
The strike, which drew widespread support from the transport community, was called to highlight several long-pending grievances that have remained unresolved for nearly four years.
Following the strike, Transport Minister Satish Sharma intervened promptly and convened a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Transport, Avny Lavasa; IG Traffic; DG Finance in Transport Department; MD JKRTC, M.A. War; Additional Commissioner Kashmir; RTOs of Jammu, Kashmir and Kathua and other senior officers of the Transport Department and representatives of Associations.
The meeting lasted for more than two hours, during which the Minister gave a patient and detailed hearing to the issues raised by the transporters.
One of the major points discussed was the E-Bus schedule and route rationalization for both Jammu and Srinagar. The Transport Minister assured that the matter would be fully resolved within a period of two weeks. Another significant issue was the much-awaited transport tariff revision-a demand pending for approximately four years. The Minister informed the delegation that the file has already been forwarded to the Finance Department for approval and directed officials to expedite the final process.
Concerns regarding the E-Challan system were also deliberated upon. IGP Traffic briefed the meeting that nearly 27,000 challan cases are currently under scrutiny. He clarified that minor or casual challans would not lead to vehicle blacklisting and only serious violations would be considered. He also assured that e-challaning and enforcement would be carried out strictly through authorised devices only, addressing transporter concerns regarding misuse.
The matter of the recent hike in fitness fees also came under detailed discussion. The Association was assured that the fee structure would be reviewed and rationalised as per established policy guidelines. The transporters further sought an extension for compliance with requirements relating to Automated Testing Stations (ATS). The Minister agreed to take up their request for up to a four-month extension with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), acknowledging the practical difficulties highlighted by the transporters.
Another crucial point was the delayed payments concerning PM rallies, Operation Sindoor, Khelo India, and the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra transportation services. The Association was assured that all outstanding dues would be processed and released in a timely manner.
After receiving time-bound assurances, the AJKTWA has decided to defer the strike. The Association will wait for two weeks as committed by the Transport Minister and will thereafter hold a General Body Meeting to review the progress and decide on the future course of action.
The meeting was attended by key AJKTWA members including Vijay Singh Chib, Matt Shabir, Parvinder Singh, Bharat Bhushan, Anan Sharma, Ranjit Singh, Mohd Yousuf, Abdul Majid, Showkat Ali, Sanjeev Choudhary, Vijay Dogra, Gurdeep Singh, Irshad, and Mudasir.
Chairman Karan Singh Wazir expressed gratitude to Minister Satish Sharma for his timely intervention, patient hearing, and commitment toward resolving issues that have burdened the transport community for several years. He expressed hope that the assurances would translate into concrete action, bringing long-awaited relief to the transport sector across Jammu & Kashmir.
Earlier, Satish Sharma attended the Martyrdom Day ceremony of General Zorawar Singh, the legendary Dogra warrior known for his extraordinary courage, military brilliance and historic campaigns.
Speaking at the event, the Minister paid rich and heartfelt tributes to General Zorawar Singh. He described him as “one of the greatest military commanders in the history of India whose valour continues to inspire generations.”
He highlighted that General Zorawar Singh’s unmatched leadership, strategic acumen, and spirit of sacrifice remain a proud chapter in the socio-military history of Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister noted that the Dogra General’s campaigns across Ladakh, Tibet, Baltistan and beyond showcased exceptional bravery and a deep sense of duty towards the nation.