The first ever State-level convention of Karnataka Tourist Motor Cab Maxi Cab Owners Welfare Association saw many demands and issues raised by more than 2,000 cab owners.
Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, who attended the function, promised the members that the State Transport department would soon implement relaxed insurance policies for the benefit of taxi drivers, where in by paying a small amount of Rs 25, the driver can receive insurance benefits up to Rs two lakh.
“The matter has already been proposed and will soon be implemented by the State government. The move will benefit thousands of taxi drivers and owners across the State who drive regularly, without any life insurance,” said Yeddyurappa.
Among the issues raised by Association President Byrava Siddaramaiah, was the one regarding issuing of licence badges to all the drivers.
K Manjunath, Secretary of the Association, said, “The former chief minister has promised us that the State will look into the matter of issuing badges to all the maxi cab drivers.”
Cab owners within Bangalore raised the matter of high surcharge on diesel within the City.
“The surcharge is 2.5 per cent and this rate is only in Bangalore. The State Transport department must reduce this soon,” said Manjunath.
He added that on the issue of installing speed governors on commercial vehicles, the Association stands strongly against the decision and is waiting for the Transport department to withdraw the decision. The convention was also attended by cab drivers and owners from Salem, Hyderabad, Chittoor and other places outside the State.