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, directing their protest at the municipal administration. They allege that the authorities have stalled the reinstatement of cart services and ignored their right to work.
Underlying grievances
The drivers contend that recent municipal moves have deepened an employment crisis. Senior driver Ranjit Singh Chauhan explains that the council split the workers’ union into rival factions, diluting collective bargaining power and leaving many drivers idle since April.
Key demands
In a memorandum filed through the Mussoorie Sub‑Divisional Magistrate, the strikers listed three core requests:
- Immediate registration of the 2025 golf‑cart fleet allotted by the municipality, which they say will allow the jobless drivers to get back on the road.
- Full implementation of the 2024‑25 rehabilitation programme designed for rickshaw operators, with a monitoring meeting to guarantee that every eligible worker receives the promised benefits.
- Prompt creation of new employment opportunities for drivers whose livelihoods have been put on hold.
Threat of escalation
The protesters warned that if their demands are not satisfied within the three‑day window, they will intensify the agitation and convert the fast into an indefinite strike. They argue that the continued suspension of cart operations and the delayed rehabilitation plan are crippling 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 resolution is achieved, emphasizing the urgent need to revive both the cart service and the associated jobs.
