The lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Bill to regularise e-rickshaws and provide for driving licences for the battery-operated vehicles, mostly plying in Delhi, with Government promising to incorporate members’ suggestions in rules to be framed once it becomes a law.
“This is an Amendment Bill. If we pass the Bill, I will incorporate rules and regulations suggested by you,” Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari told Opposition MPs who demanded that the Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill, 2014 be sent to standing committee for a closer scrutiny.
Gadkari, while replying to a debate, also spoke about “pollution- free India” and the Government’s ambitious plan to convert polluting diesel buses to “e-buses.” He said the proposal is being discussed and he will come to Parliament once it is approved.
He rejected Opposition’s allegations that the Bill was hurriedly brought to gain political mileage in poll-bound Delhi saying the Government was pushing for its early passage keeping in mind the plight of one crore poor rickshaw pullers who struggle for their daily bread and butter.