Permit misdeeds, absent parking hits auto drivers

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 9, 2016: Rreports state that the city has not less than 6,000 autorickshaws, the district administration has sanctioned 590 more permits to dalits under government schemes.

Auto operators/drivers allege that autorickshaws with permits issued for rural areas too are plying in the city limits. As a result, drivers are struggling to find parking place for their autorickshaws. It is a case of too much, yet the demands for more fare and other matters are a big pain to public, particularly new visitors who arrive at railway stations and Bus stands. A shared auto system will help all sides concerned.
 
Federation of Karnataka Autorickshaw Drivers Union’s Mangaluru city committee general secretary Mahammad Irfan alleged there is a large scale misappropriation in issuing free autorickshaw permits under government schemes. A through in-depth inquiry should be conducted into the issue of free permits. Mangaluru has more autorickshaws than the actual requirement. Moreover, narrow roads and lack of parking spots are making the life of drivers miserable.

"The administration has stopped issuing permits for autorickshaws 18 years ago, but free permits are issued under the name of government schemes. As per rules, free permits should be issued to nearest town of beneficiaries’ residence address. However, several permits are issued for the Mangaluru city even though beneficiaries belong to other places.

In Mangaluru city zone - 1, free permits have been issued to 590 of the 680 who applied for it and approval has been given for the remaining applications. "Out of the 590 free permits issued, only eight beneficiaries are Koragas. Many government officials and people with political influence have obtained free permits," he alleged.

Agitations  :  An "RTO office chalo" protest has been planned on May 10, Tuesday to demand inquiry into alleged wrong doins in issuing free permits, drivers union, general secretary Mahammad Irfan  informed.