Hunger strike commences in Mussoorie
On Wednesday, fourteen golf‑cart drivers in the hill‑top town of Mussoorie launched a three‑day hunger strike aimed at the municipal administration. The workers contend that the council is deliberately stalling the revival of cart services and disregarding their employment rights.
Underlying grievances
According to senior driver Ranjit Singh Chauhan, recent municipal moves have exacerbated an already severe job crisis. He says the authorities split the drivers’ union into rival factions, weakening collective bargaining and leaving many without work since April.
Key demands
In a memorandum presented to the Mussoorie Sub‑Divisional Magistrate, the strikers listed three core requests:
- Immediate registration of the 2025 golf‑cart fleet allocated by the municipality, which they argue will allow the idle drivers to return to work.
- Enactment of the 2024‑25 rehabilitation scheme designed for rickshaw operators, together with a review meeting to guarantee that all eligible workers receive the promised benefits.
- Prompt creation of employment opportunities for drivers whose livelihoods have been put on hold.
Threat of escalation
The protestors warned that if their demands are not satisfied within the three‑day period, they will intensify their actions and turn the fast into an indefinite one. They stress that the prolonged suspension of cart operations and the delayed rehabilitation plan are jeopardising their families’ incomes.
Future outlook
As the hunger strike unfolds, municipal officials are under mounting pressure to respond quickly. The drivers have pledged to sustain their protest until a satisfactory solution is reached, highlighting the urgency of reinstating both the cart service and the associated jobs.
