Days after The Pioneer exposed how auto-rickshaw drivers are still harassing commuters despite the Transport Department’s drive against erring auto drivers, the Delhi Government has made it mandatory for them to wear Public Services Vehicle (PSV) badge, a step it feels would help identify errant drivers.
In case the auto drivers do no comply with the order, stringent action would be taken against such auto drivers, the AAP Government has warned.
The Government’s move comes after the Transport Department launched a week-long special drive against auto rickshaws “harassing” passengers. The drive was later extended by another week.
A senior Government official said that wearing PSV badge has been mandatory for auto-rickshaw drivers by the Government. “The Transport Department has directed all auto drivers to wear PSV badge while driving their vehicles, failing which strict action will be taken against them,” the official said, adding that department’s officials will either impound their vehicles or impose a heavy fine for violating the order. At present, there are more than 80,000 autos plying in the national Capital.
According to the Government, the new step will help regulate auto-rickshaws plying in the city and passengers will also be able to easily identify them in case there is any complaint against them. Delhi Traffic Police will also be asked to take action against errant drivers.“In Delhi, PSV badge is required to drive public vehicle, but there was no rule of wearing it. Now, they (auto drivers) have to wear this badge as per new order,” official said.
last month, the Government had launched a special drive against auto drivers not following norms and causing harassment to passengers. On July 11, the Transport Department had impounded 366 auto rickshaws for not following norms. A total of 372 autos had also been challaned by the enforcement department on the same day.
After the extension of the drive, the number of impounded auto rickshaws has increased to 927 and the challaned auto rickshaws to 2,842 till Thursday
Angry over the drive, Delhi Auto-rickshaw Sangh has threatened to go on strike.“Autorickshaw drivers are being harassed with their vehicles being impounded for violating even minor rules. If the Government does not stop its drive within 15 days, we will go on strike,” Rajendra Soni, general secretary of union, said.
