Doomdooma: The Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (ATTSA), Doomdooma Regional Committee, on Tuesday urged the authorities to crack down on the illegal transport of labourers in goods vehicles across Tinsukia district, alleging that the practice continues despite official warnings.
The organisation submitted a memorandum to the Assistant Labour Commissioner of Tinsukia, and the District Transport Officer, seeking immediate enforcement against the practice.
ATTSA Doomdooma Regional Committee president Irot Tanti said the organisation had repeatedly raised concerns over workers being transported in goods vehicles operating in the Doomdooma region.
“Every day, labourers are being carried in goods vehicles in violation of safety norms. We have repeatedly raised the issue because it endangers the lives of workers travelling in search of livelihood,” Tanti said.
He said the district administration had earlier issued notices warning of legal action against those involved in transporting labourers in goods vehicles following a fatal road accident in Arunachal Pradesh in which several labourers from Assam were killed while travelling in a goods carrier.
Investigations into the incident had allegedly revealed the illegal transportation of workers without adequate safety measures or proper documentation.
Tanti alleged that the practice continues across the region, with labourers regularly travelling in goods carriers instead of authorised passenger vehicles.
“Unless strict legal action is taken against vehicle owners, contractors and middlemen, such incidents may recur,” he said.
The organisation urged the Labour Department and the District Transport Office to conduct regular joint enforcement drives, verify the legality of labour transportation and prosecute violators under the relevant legal provisions.
ATTSA said ensuring the safe transportation of workers is the responsibility of both employers and the administration.