No need to paint autos green: Minister

Addressing a press conference in Bangalore on Wednesday, Transport Minister R Ashok said two other conditions imposed by the transport department, that all autorickshaws should install digital meters and new permits would be issued only for autos with four stroke engine would remain.

“The compromise is only on painting the auto green, which has now been made optional. However, installation of digital meters is compulsory. Fitness certificates will not be renewed if mechanical meters are not replaced by digital meters,” Ashok said. Last month, auto drivers had gone on a strike in protest against the government’s decision.

Ashok said digital meters had been made compulsory to ensure meters are tamper-free and that passengers are not harassed.

The minister said the State has sought the grants to the tune of Rs five crore from the Union government for establishing a centre at Nelamangala for issuing fitness certificate to vehicles. Five acre land has already been identified for the centre, he said.

The government is also planning to set up a driving training centre at Yelahanka at a cost of Rs 25 crore, he added.

Compensation

The government has provided a job on a compassionate grounds to the son of KSRTC driver Abdul Razak, who suffered a heart attack while driving a bus on the Mangalore-Bangalore route.

Razak managed to manoeuvre the bus to safety before he breathed his last. His family will also be given Rs 50,000 by the government as a token of appreciation for the presence of mind showed by Razak, Ashok said.