The state government on Friday increased by about 16% the maximum rates for private vehicles hired for election duty, conceding the demand of Maxicab and Motorcab owners who cited the rising input costs.
The government is estimated to depend on private operators for half of the 80,000 vehicles needed to carry polling personnel and materials. Private cab operators and drivers unions had demanded the hike in rates as well as better working conditions.
"After considering the hike in petrol, diesel and spare parts, wages etc, the rates of hire charges applicable to private vehicles requisitioned for election...the maximum rate (per day) may be revised from Rs 2,953-31 to Rs 3,400 and the minimum rate may be revised from Rs 2,607 to Rs 3,000," the order stated. The per km rate stays Rs 17.
Radhakrishna Holla, president, Bangalore Tourist Taxi Operators' Association, called it "a good decision after a long gap". Gandasi Sadanandaswamy, the president of the National Drivers' Union, asked the government to provide the basic facilities such as water, food and access to restroom to drivers during their work.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks