It's 'class' time for autorickshaw drivers

Initiative:

That the central government launched Elder’s Education Scheme for the benefit of elderly people is old. What’s new is, direct admission for autorickshaw drivers to eighth standard at the schools here.

Announcing this novel scheme, restricted for Mysore district, Medical Education and District In-charge Minister S A Ramdas on Sunday said that the auto drivers who haven’t studied eighth standard, to secure driving licences as is the criterion, will be admitted to schools. In a span of one week, they will be armed with ‘pass’ certificate.

He was speaking at ‘Transport Adalat’ organised at MMC and RI Platinum Jubilee Hall at J K Grounds in the city.

The minister said that, it’s intended at gradually bringing down the numbers of auto drivers who have been hitting the streets non-chalantly, flouting the rules without DL.
He also announced that the RTO in association with police, MUDA and MCC will design the structure of ‘auto stands’ to make it a legal body.

Home and Transport Minister R Ashok who was also present at the adalat, announced that the LLRs will be issued to such auto drivers from July 1.

However, he left it out for the transport operators to decide on the points or junctions, where the authorities concerned could distribute licences.

The minister also promised to relax the rules on autos ferrying tourists to the places of tourist interests outside the city too. According to the existing rules, autos exceeding city limits will have to cough up fine. But, the minister appealed to the auto drivers to maintain cleanliness to create best impression among the tourists.

Apart from offering facilities like guide and newspapers in their vehicles, they (automen) also have to conduct themselves in a pleasing way, the minister stressed. Buttressing the concept of ‘Auto repair Nagara’ mooted by his cabinet colleague Ramdas, the minister said he has no vibes if MUDA wills to allot land in an adequate place, suitable to all.

Financial aid

The minister also announced that there is a proposal to hike the financial aid of  ` 10,000 extended by the government for buying of autos, to ` 20,000. The matter is pending before the Finance Department.

RTO Siddappa Kallera, Deputy Commissioner of Transport Narayanswamy, Police Commissioner Sunil Agarwal, SP Manish Kharbiker, MCC Commissioner K S Raykar and others were present.