LG Kavinder asks taxi operators to install Vehicle Tracking Devices as mandated by MoRTH
STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, held a detailed interaction with a delegation from the Ladakh Taxi Operator Co-operative Ltd to address their concerns regarding the mandatory installation of Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD) in commercial vehicles, as directed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
The meeting was attended by Mohammad Usman Khan, Additional Secretary, Transport Department; Hidayatullah Mir, ARTO Leh; Thinlay Namgial, President of the Co-operative, along with Vice Presidents Stanzin Toldan and Ajaz Ahmad.
The taxi operators expressed their difficulties in complying with the immediate requirement due to the ongoing economic slowdown and business hardships. They requested a one-month extension to complete the installation process and ensure their vehicles pass the mandatory fitness certification.
Additional Secretary Mohammad Usman Khan informed the Lt Governor that although the directive from MoRTH had been in place for over two months, compliance among operators had been lacking.
Considering the genuine concerns raised, the Lt Governor approved a one-month grace period for VLTD installation but firmly stated that no further extensions would be granted.
He underlined the critical importance of VLTDs for enhancing passenger safety, improving fleet management, and ensuring regulatory compliance. He urged all transport operators to utilize the extension period efficiently to avoid disruptions in vehicle operations or certification processes.
The taxi operators welcomed the decision and thanked the Lt Governor for his understanding. They assured full compliance within the extended timeline.
In a separate meeting, the President of the People’s Action Group for Inclusion and Rights (PAGIR) called on the Lt Governor to discuss the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (divyangjan) in Ladakh.
Kavinder Gupta reaffirmed the UT Administration’s commitment to inclusivity and financial empowerment of divyangjan.
He highlighted initiatives by the Social and Tribal Welfare Department, including the implementation of the Unique Disability ID (UDID) project, under which 3,591 UDID cards have been issued to improve access to government schemes. He also mentioned the establishment of District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs) and ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility in public infrastructure.
The Lt Governor concluded by emphasizing that the administration will continue working towards a more inclusive and equitable Ladakh through targeted skill development and empowerment programmes for persons with disabilities.
