'Reduce fuel prices, tollgate tax'

Speaking after inaugurating 40th anniversary of Udupi district Taximen Association and State Taxi and Maxicab Association’s state convention at Udupi, he said “the diesel costs less in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Hence, 40,000 to 60,000 vehicles from outside the State ply on Karnataka road. However, none fill diesel in Karnataka. They fill the diesel on the border. Hence, the government is losing the revenue. Hence, there is a need for introduction of uniform rate of diesel.”

“Though we are paying tax of Rs 2,500 crore every year, the government is not supporting us,” he charged.

The Regional Transport Officer is not issuing license to those who have not passed eighth standard in the State. This is affecting atleast 70,000 to 75,000 drivers in the State.

If the government fails to bring in amendment to the act, then the state will be filled with drivers from outside the State,  he warned.

He said of the 80,000 to 90,000 taxis in the State, 60 per cent are from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Hence, the government should set up a driving school in Udupi district.

He also urged the State government to implement pension scheme for the vehicle drivers.

MLA and Udupi district Taximen Association President Raghupathy Bhat said as many as 2,500 persons have registered under Udupi district Taximen Association in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada.