AGARTALA: Under the banner of the Tripura E-Rickshaw Workers’ Association (affiliated with the Mazdoor Monitoring Cell), battery-operated e-rickshaw drivers and operators organized a mass sit-in demonstration (Gan-Dharna) outside the City Centre in Agartala.
The demonstration was staged to express deep concern regarding the current regulatory uncertainty and the future operational security of battery-operated e-rickshaws (TomToms) across the state.
Key Demands & Operational Grievances
- Safeguarding Livelihoods & Future Security: Demonstrators called on the state government and urban local bodies to frame clear, worker-friendly policies that protect the daily earnings and employment rights of thousands of battery-operated rickshaw operators.
- Protest Against Arbitrary Restrictions: Union members highlighted that sudden route restrictions and heavy penalties imposed by traffic enforcement teams have pushed operators into severe financial distress.
- Demand for Structured Zoning Policy: The organization urged authorities to introduce a transparent zoning and permit framework rather than enforcing blanket bans or detaining vehicles entering city limits.
- Administrative Dialogue: The Mazdoor Monitoring Cell appealed to higher administrative authorities for an immediate dialogue to resolve route-allocation disputes and streamline registration protocols for e-rickshaws.
Key Stakeholders Present
- Representatives and office-bearers of the Tripura E-Rickshaw Workers’ Association.
- Executive members of the Mazdoor Monitoring Cell.
- A large gathering of battery-operated e-rickshaw (TomTom) drivers from across Agartala.
