Kathmandu: An agreement has been reached between the government and transport entrepreneurs to end the nationwide transport strike that was launched in opposition to the legalization and regulation of ride-sharing services at both federal and provincial levels.
The strike, which brought transport services across the country to a halt on Monday, was initiated by the Central Struggle Committee to Protect Public Transport. This disruption, triggered by the Gandaki Province government’s decision to begin drafting legislation to formally regulate ride-sharing services, significantly affected daily life and prompted the Ministry of Home Affairs to call for immediate dialogue.
Following negotiations, a committee was formed under the coordination of the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. The committee comprises representatives from several government ministries, transport entrepreneurs, and labor organizations.
According to Bhim Rai Jwala, Central President of the Nepal Transport Independent Workers Organization, the committee includes eight members from the government and four representatives from transport entrepreneurs and workers. As per the agreement, the government has decided to temporarily suspend the implementation of the ride-sharing regulations being developed by the Gandaki Province government.
The Gandaki Provincial Council had approved the Ride-Sharing (Regulation and Management) Rules on April 13, with plans to publish the regulations in the provincial gazette on May 15, paving the way for their enforcement.
Transport entrepreneurs have strongly opposed this regulatory move, arguing that it would adversely affect their livelihoods by allowing private vehicles to compete for passengers, thereby undermining the public transportation sector.
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