Hunger strike inaugurated in Mussoorie
On Wednesday, a group of fourteen golf‑cart drivers in the hill station of Mussoorie commenced a three‑day hunger strike. Their protest is directed at the municipal administration, which they accuse of deliberately delaying the revival of cart services and overlooking their right to work.
Underlying grievances
The drivers contend that recent municipal moves have intensified an employment crisis. According to senior operator Ranjit Singh Chauhan, the authorities split the workers’ union into two rival factions, weakening collective bargaining power and leaving many drivers idle since April.
Key demands
In a memorandum presented to the Mussoorie Sub‑Divisional Magistrate, the strikers listed three principal requests:
- Immediate registration of the 2025 golf‑cart fleet allocated by the municipality, which they say will allow the jobless drivers to resume work.
- Full implementation of the 2024‑25 rehabilitation scheme designed for rickshaw operators, accompanied by a review meeting to ensure every eligible worker receives the promised benefits.
- Prompt creation of employment opportunities for cart drivers whose livelihoods have been suspended.
Threat of escalation
The protesters warned that if their demands are not satisfied within the three‑day period, they will intensify their agitation and convert the strike into an indefinite fast. They argue that the continued suspension of cart operations and the delayed rehabilitation plan are jeopardising their families’ incomes.
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 jobs.
