Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
According to the Motor Vehicles Act,an applicant for an auto-rickshaw permit must not be employed in any kind of job. However, in reality, many people are either obtaining permits despite being employed or are leasing out their permits to others. As a result, those who depend solely on the rickshaw business are suffering losses, and there is growing concern over when action will be taken against such violations.
As per the Motor Vehicles Act, one of the conditions for issuing an auto-rickshaw permit is that the applicant should not be employed in government, semi-government, private companies, or any other institution. An affidavit to this effect is taken from the applicant while issuing the permit. Despite this, complaints have surfaced that some people continue to work in jobs and drive rickshaws in their spare time. If a permit holder gets a job after obtaining the permit, they are required to voluntarily surrender the permit.
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29,000 rickshaws in the district.
There are a total of 29,652 rickshaws in the district. It is alleged that some permits exist only “on paper” and are being leased out to others.
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No permit if employed
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, an applicant must not be employed at the time of receiving an auto-rickshaw permit. If the permit holder gets a job later, the permit must be returned.
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Loss of needy drivers
Genuine drivers who depend on rickshaws for their livelihood find it difficult to obtain permits. Meanwhile, permits held by employed individuals reduce opportunities for the needy and increase unauthorized competition in the market.
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Inspection should be carried out
“Rickshaws are meant for livelihood, but some people take permits while being employed and then lease them out. Authorities should conduct inspections and take back permits from those who are employed”.
-Nisar Ahmed Khan, president, Rickshaw Drivers and Owner’s Federation.