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. Their protest is directed at the municipal administration, which they accuse of dragging its feet on reviving cart services and overlooking their right to work.
Key grievances
The drivers contend that recent municipal moves have deepened an employment crisis. According to senior driver Ranjit Singh Chauhan, the authorities deliberately split the workers’ union into two rival factions, eroding collective bargaining power and leaving many without any income since April.
Demands presented
In a memorandum handed to the Mussoorie Sub‑Divisional Magistrate, the strikers listed three main demands:
- Immediate registration of the 2025 golf‑cart fleet earmarked by the municipality, which they say will allow the idle drivers to get back on the road.
- Full implementation of the 2024‑25 rehabilitation scheme designed for rickshaw operators, with a follow‑up meeting to verify that every eligible worker receives the promised benefits.
- Creation of urgent employment opportunities for the cart drivers whose livelihoods have been put on hold.
Potential escalation
The protestors have warned that if their requests are not satisfied within the three‑day period, they will intensify the agitation, turning the fast into an open‑ended strike. They argue that the ongoing suspension of cart operations and the delayed rollout of the rehabilitation plan are devastating their families’ incomes.
Future outlook
As the hunger strike proceeds, municipal officials are under mounting pressure to act promptly. The drivers have pledged to sustain their protest until a satisfactory solution is reached, highlighting the critical need to restore both the cart service and the associated jobs.
