August 2: In a development that could significantly reshape the governance of taxi services in Ukhrul Town, the Wung Light Vehicle Service Association (WLVSA) has formally sought official recognition from the Government as an independent taxi association, asserting that its formation is founded on the principles of democracy, transparency, accountability, and equal representation. Addressing a press conference at the Ukhrul Press Club, on Saturday, WLVSA leaders said the association was established not to divide the taxi fraternity but to restore democratic governance and institutional accountability after growing dissatisfaction with the existing taxi administration. The press conference was attended by WLVSA president Tharmi Raising, secretary Ngatarmi Raleng, finance secretary Helpson Kharei, treasurer Henry Shatshang, along with executive members and supporters.
The association alleged that following the introduction of the UDTWA Local Taxi framework under the Ukhrul Town Taxi Service Controlling Board (UTTSCB) in October 2023, transparency and inclusive governance steadily deteriorated. While acknowledging that the Board was constituted to streamline taxi services, WLVSA claimed that many taxi owners and drivers were excluded from meaningful participation. It alleged that General House Meetings were not convened regularly, audited financial statements were never presented before the wider membership, and major decisions affecting the taxi community were concentrated in the hands of a few individuals. Members who questioned such decisions were allegedly sidelined, while taxi checking and enforcement activities were carried out without any clear statutory authority.
According to WLVSA, repeated representations seeking reforms, financial transparency, and equal participation were submitted to the UTTSCB, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, and other competent authorities. Dissatisfaction eventually culminated on November 18, 2025, when taxi owners and drivers unanimously resolved to constitute a Joint Action Committee to draft the constitution of a new association founded on democratic governance, accountability, and equal representation. The association maintained that its formation represents an institutional reform aimed at strengthening—not fragmenting—the taxi fraternity by creating a transparent and participatory system where every legitimate taxi owner and driver enjoys an equal voice.
Tracing the background, WLVSA recalled that the Ukhrul Town Taxi Service Controlling Board was constituted by the District Administration on October 2, 2023, under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner, with senior officials including the Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations), District Transport Officer, District Cooperative Officer, and representatives of the Autonomous District Council as members. The association further claimed that after examining grievances raised by taxi owners and drivers, the Board itself recommended the formation of a new inclusive association and asserted that WLVSA has consistently complied with every direction and decision issued by the Board throughout the process.
Strengthening its case, WLVSA also referred to a formal representation submitted by the District Transport Officer (DTO), Ukhrul, to the District Co-operative Officer, seeking an inquiry into the registration of the Ukhrul District Taxi Welfare Association (UDTWA). In the representation, the DTO reportedly alleged that UDTWA was registered without complying with mandatory provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, the Co-operative Society Act, 1912, and other applicable laws. The DTO emphasized that transport associations and operators must satisfy statutory requirements relating to valid permits, designated areas of operation, and approved categories of transport services before being permitted to function. The representation specifically cited Sections 66, 67, 70, 72, 73, 74, 84, 86, 87, 95, and 96 of the Motor Vehicles Act, along with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020, and urged the District Co-operative Officer to verify whether UDTWA’s registration complied with all mandatory legal provisions and to take appropriate action should any irregularities be established.
Appealing to the Government, WLVSA urged the authorities to grant it formal recognition as an independent association so that it may function lawfully within the regulatory framework established by the UTTSCB. It also called on the Government to uphold the constitutional and democratic rights of taxi owners and drivers to freely organize themselves into a lawful association without intimidation, discrimination or interference. Clarifying its position, WLVSA stated that it has no intention of replacing or interfering with any existing organization, but seeks only the freedom to function independently while coexisting peacefully and professionally with other associations in the larger interest of public transport.
In a direct challenge to the legal authority claimed by the existing taxi body, WLVSA posed four fundamental questions to the Government, the media and the public: Does the registration of an association empower it to stop and check vehicles? Does registration authorize it to issue, seize, suspend or revoke taxi permits? Can a registered association exercise authority over taxi owners and drivers who are not its members? And can an association claim legitimacy while avoiding accountability to its own members by failing to convene General House Meetings or present audited financial reports?
The association emphasized that its concerns are not directed against the registration of the Ukhrul District Taxi Welfare Association (UDTWA) itself. “We do not question UDTWA’s registration. We question whether registration gives an association powers that ordinarily belong to the Police, the Transport Department and other competent Government authorities,” WLVSA stated. Stressing that the issue extends beyond the interests of taxi operators, the association said it concerns the rule of law, democratic governance, transparency, accountability and equal rights, and respectfully called upon the Government to provide a clear, authoritative and legally reasoned answer in the interest of justice, public confidence and the proper administration of transport services in Ukhrul.
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