New rules put auto drivers in a fix

State-wide agitation will be launched if rules were not amended, say auto union leaders

The amended rules stipulate that the autorickshaw driving licence can be issued to new applicants only if they have passed the eighth standard. Further, the amended rules also stipulate that autorickshaw drivers should obtain Passenger Service Vehicle Badge (PSVB) compulsorily.

There are hundreds of autorickshaw drivers in the City, who have licence but do not have PSVB. Those drivers will have to quit the job as their educational qualifiction is below eighth standard.

Further, the rules also make obtaining Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) licence mandatory to obtain a PSVB. Hence, one has to obtain both autorickshaw and LMV licence before applying for a PSVB.

Altogether, the autorickshaw driver’s profession too has become a distant dream for all unemployed and uneducated youth. 

Speaking to Deccan Herald, RTO Seva Nayak said that new applicants cannot apply for auturickshaw driving licence if their educational qualification is below eighth standard.

“Those who have already obtained the licence and have the PSVB can continue to work even if their qualification is less.

However, if an auto driver, who has a driving licnece and not passed eighth standard, cannot apply for the PSVB under the new rules,” he said adding that those autorickshaw drivers will have to quit the job.

Unions of autorickshaw drivers and and owners are gearing up to fight against the rules. They demand that rules should be relaxed and all autorickshaw drivers, who have licence, should be given PSVB without considering their educational qualification.

‘State-wide protest’

Federation of Karnataka Autorickshaw Drivers Unions Dakshina Kannada District General Secretary L T Suvarna said that according to an estimate, out of about 12,000 autorickshaw drivers in the City, nearly 50 per cent do not have the minimum educational qualification, which the new rules stipulate. About 30 per cent of the auto drivers are yet to obtain the PSVB, which has been made mandatory in the amended rules. “The latest amendment which makes LMV license mandatory for obtaining PSVB is illogical and needs to be scrapped,” he demanded adding that the CITU will carry out a state-wide protest if the Act was amended.

Suvarna further said that earlier all doctors with MBBS degree were eligible to issue medical certificate to autorickshaw driving licence and PSVB applicants.

However, as per the new rules, one has to obtain medical certificate only from government doctors, he said adding that the rule should be revised.