Tarigami calls for transport sector revamp, welfare board for drivers, conductors

Jammu: Mar 17: Terming road transport as crucial mode of transportation, CPI(M) legislator Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Monday said that the transport sector needed to be revamped.

He also advocated for the establishment of a welfare board for drivers and conductors in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking on the demands for grants, Tarigami highlighted that nearly 10 crore people across the country are directly or indirectly linked to the transport sector. He said that the sector contributes 4.5 percent to the GDP.

"It is the largest sector in Jammu and Kashmir since the railways have yet to be fully operationalized," he said.

Tarigami underlined the crucial role of road transport in facilitating the movement of apples and other fruits to wholesale markets outside the region.

"But unfortunately there is no social security for the workers, including drivers and conductors, associated with transport sector," he said, adding that the condition of transport workers is miserable and requires immediate government attention.

He reiterated the need for a welfare board for drivers and conductors, saying that the government must focus on their welfare.

He informed that the welfare board constituted for the  construction workers is now dysfunctional.

Tarigami also pointed out the lack of adequate parking spaces for transport workers at both Jammu and Srinagar airports.