Port Blair, Sept. 23: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma today called on the Chief Secretary, Mr. Jitendra Narain and requested him to extend the permit period for all the Tourist Vehicles to 31st March 2022.

During the meeting he mentioned that because of Covid-19 Pandemic and lockdowns, the Tourism Industry of Andaman Nicobar Island suffered a heavy blow.

He added that one of the sections in Andaman Nicobar Tourism Industry, the vehicle Drivers and owners who have taken loans from banks to operate tourist vehicles have especially suffered heavy financial loss during this crisis time because in the last one and half year, they couldn’t operate their tourist vehicles.

The Member of Parliament mentioned that now, the fitness period of tourist vehicles is going to expire on 30 September 2021 after which tourist vehicle owners have to apply for fresh fitness and for this entire process, they will have to pay nearly Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 50,000 for fitness of their vehicles.

Considering the last one and half year, which was a severe loss period, it is impossible for any of the tourist vehicle owners to pay such a huge amount for renewal of tourist permit, the MP mentioned.

He added that most of these tourist vehicle operators had taken loans from the banks and are under tremendous pressure from banks to pay the EMIs, adding to that they are facing a huge challenge to run their family in this present situation.  Many of these tourist vehicle drivers and owners are unable to pay room rent and going through extreme financial crisis.

Considering all these problems the Member of Parliament requested the Chief Secretary to extend the permit period for all the Tourist vehicles to 31st March 2022 so that in this coming tourist season, these tour vehicle operators can earn some amount and pay for the renewable of fitness after 31st March 2022.