Hunger strike kicks off in Mussoorie
On Wednesday, a group of fourteen golf‑cart drivers in the hill station of Mussoorie launched a three‑day hunger strike. The action is aimed at the municipal authorities, whom the workers accuse of deliberately delaying the revival of cart services and ignoring their right to livelihood.
Key grievances
The drivers contend that recent municipal moves have deepened an employment crisis. Senior driver Ranjit Singh Chauhan explains that the administration fractured the workers’ union into two rival factions, eroding collective bargaining strength and leaving many drivers idle since April.
Demands presented
Through a memorandum lodged with the Mussoorie Sub‑Divisional Magistrate, the strikers outlined three core requests:
- Immediate registration of the 2025 golf‑cart fleet allotted by the municipality, which they say is essential for the unemployed drivers to resume work.
- Full implementation of the 2024‑25 rehabilitation scheme devised for rickshaw operators, with a review meeting to ensure all eligible workers receive their entitled benefits.
- Prompt creation of job opportunities for the cart drivers whose incomes have been halted.
Potential escalation
The protesters warned that if their demands are not satisfied within the three‑day period, they will intensify the agitation and turn the strike into an open‑ended fast. They argue that the ongoing suspension of cart operations and the postponed rehabilitation plan are jeopardising the financial stability of their families.
Future outlook
As the hunger strike unfolds, municipal officials are under mounting pressure to act quickly. The drivers have pledged to sustain their protest until a satisfactory solution is reached, highlighting the urgent need to restore both the cart service and the associated employment.
