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 grievance is aimed squarely at the local municipal body, which they allege has stalled the revival of cart services and ignored their right to work.
Underlying issues
The drivers contend that recent municipal moves have deepened an already severe employment crunch. Senior driver Ranjit Singh Chauhan explains that the administration deliberately fractured the workers’ union into rival factions, undermining collective bargaining and leaving many without a paycheck since April.
Key demands
In a memorandum presented to the Mussoorie Sub‑Divisional Magistrate, the strikers listed three non‑negotiable requests:
- Immediate registration of the 2025 golf‑cart fleet allocated by the municipality, which they say is essential for the idle drivers to get back to work.
- Full implementation of the 2024‑25 rehabilitation scheme designed for rickshaw operators, accompanied by a review meeting to guarantee that every eligible worker receives the promised benefits.
- Prompt creation of new job placements for the drivers whose livelihoods have been suspended.
Threat of escalation
The protesters have warned that if their demands are not satisfied within the three‑day period, they will intensify their agitation, turning the fast into an open‑ended strike. They argue that the prolonged suspension of cart operations and the delayed rehabilitation program are jeopardizing their families’ financial stability.
Future outlook
As the hunger strike continues, municipal authorities are under mounting pressure to respond quickly. 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 employment opportunities.
