The All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) has ‘centralized’ all regional taxis with effect from October 1, 2022. This means that all the taxis that travel from one district to another, notably to and from state capital Kohima, will have a ‘centralized’ point of ticket sales through which all the taxi services will be routed.
This ‘centralization’ of all Nagaland taxis, according to an ANTA source, was first resolved at the ANTA general conference held on March 25, 2021 in Wokha. However, it was stalled until its revision at the ANTA general conference of March 25, 2022 held in Zunheboto where the previous resolution was reaffirmed.
However, not all members of this vital service industry are in agreement with ANTA. Owners of the vehicles and ticket counters in Mokokchung are opposing the move to ‘centralize’ the taxi service. An owner of a taxi vehicle confided to Mokokchung Times that they will oppose the move, claiming that 90% of the vehicle and ticket counter owners reject the ‘centralization’ move. He also informed that not just Mokokchung to Kohima taxis but even those that transit from Mokokchung to other districts like Dimapur, Tuensang, Zunheboto and Mon will stay off road in protest against the ‘centralization’.
It is learnt that most of the out-bound taxis from Mokokchung to other districts will not operate from Monday morning, which is expected to cause a lot of inconvenience to travelers and passengers.
Meanwhile, the ANTA source told this newspaper that all the taxis registered with ANTA have been ‘centralized’ for the welfare of passengers and the benefit of all concerned. It was also informed that initial shortcomings in the new arrangement will be sorted out in due course of time. Explaining the advantages of ‘centralization’, the ANTA source stated that “not many people understand it” but the new system would benefit the travelers and passengers, the vehicle owners and public in general as well as ease traffic congestion.
Taxi vehicle owners in Mokokchung are reported to meet on Monday over the matter.