IMPHAL, October 20 (Newmai News Network): There was a time when many unemployed persons of Manipur used to rely on rickshaw for their livelihood and sources of income. Since there was not many choices left to them, to engage in rickshaw pulling was relatively easier and short cut to them as qualification, as no other criteria is needed in it. Even though income derived from it might have been less – compared to other lucrative sources of income – it is by rickshaw that many used to feed their families, got educated their children, and strived hard to be a part of the society. Rickshaw used to be the first choice among the daily commuters for transportation to their desired destination.
With the passage of time and introduction of many transportation vehicles in the state, there is strong apprehension among the rickshaw pullers that their business is on the decline. Now, the commuters’ first choice have shifted to the newly inducted transport carriers like diesel Auto, Tata Magic vans, Wingers (mini bus) and others.
The tri-wheeled rickshaw was first introduced in Shimla in the year 1880 and used to be pulled by hands. Later on, in the period of 1930-40, it was converted to feet pulling as done today. The term Rickshaw was derived from Japanese word “Jin-riki-sha” which literally means man-powered-cart. Rickshaw is considered eco-friendly, as it emits zero pollution, both air and noise.
In Manipur, around 4-5 rickshaws were first introduced in the year 1951 and brought from West Bengal. Many interested persons used to test-drive at Mapal Kangjeibung in the heart of Imphal. Later, the number started flourishing, following demands from office employees, traders and other sections of the society.
At present, persons travelling in rickshaw might look to be on the down trend and considered as old fashioned but in big cities like New York, Edinburgh, London, Paris, Singapore etc, it is still used with much respect. It is widely popular, as tourists used to travel in it to visit tourist spots.
According to All Manipur Rickshaw Drivers and Pullers Association, earlier the state recorded 18,000-20,000 rickshaws but, at present the number has decreased to around 10,000 which is a drastic fall.
Talking to Nando Waikhom of Newmai News Network today, Yumkhaibam Ramjaan (70) of Kshetrigao who has been in the profession for the last 30 years said, he used to charge 4 paise per 2-3 km in 1980s which enabled him to earn around Rs 10 per day, recalling happily that the amount was enough to feed his family of 5 members. “But now, even if I earn Rs 200-300 per day with full hard work, the amount was always less than what was needed to feed a family. Since, a person these days does not prefer to travel in rickshaw following the introduction of many transport carriers, I am compelled to stop carrying travelers and instead has converted the rickshaw to goods carrier”, he rued.
Noting that sometimes, a commuter deliberately does not pay dues, he also said there have been many instances when people used to snatch away money from him. Another rickshaw puller, Sheikh Liaquat Ali (51) of Hafij Hatta recounted that earlier when he used to earn Rs 20 per day; it was sufficient to to look after maintenances of his family. “Since Imphal is now filled with diesel autos, Tata Magic vans, Wingers (mini bus) and others, I think, we rickshaw pullers, have nothing to sustain us in the business. We are forced to ply on those routes where other vehicles do not reach”, he expressed his dismay, and informed that he had taken a decision for retirement from rickshaw pulling.
Looking at the present scenario, preferences can be given to rickshaw pullers by dividing the entire road into rickshaw and non-rickshaw zones. With this, the chances of road accident would minimize. The short distance journeys which are still covered mostly by diesel auto rickshaws can be replaced by non-polluting rickshaws in order to minimize traffic jam.
Attempts can be made by the State tourism department by allowing them to carry tourists to various tourist spots. Advertising for government’s various departments can also be done by inscribing certain social messages at the back of the Rickshaws.
Encouragement and confidence can be provided to the ailing rickshaw pulling industry by organizing mass awareness and support such as rallies, advertisement, etc. With this, the brunt of unemployment problems of the state can be curbed to some extent. And above all, let the joy of travelling in a simple rickshaw goes on.