Udupi: Display card system for auto rickshaws put on hold
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Dec 21: The display card system for auto rickshaws that was brought into force on a pilot basis in November has been put on hold for now.
On November 1, the police department had launched a display card system backed by software, wherein it was made mandatory for auto rickshaw drivers to display a card with a unique identity number and their details which would help the passengers to identify the driver. The card would also include an SMS number to enable the passenger to place a complaint on the spot against the driver.
However, the move met with strong opposition from the auto rickshaw drivers, who said it posed a risk to their lives as rivals may misuse their details.
Moreover, the Udupi auto rickshaw drivers' and owners' union said that the district police department had not informed them about the implementation of the system, nor was the matter discussed with people's representatives. On November 12, the rickshaw drivers' and owners' union held a meeting to discuss the problems arising from the display system, and the same was brought to the notice of union minister for transport Oscar Fernandes.
After studying the issue, Oscar met state home minister K J George and said that the display card system should be implemented in Udupi only if it is brought into force throughout the state, and not otherwise. Hence, the system has been put on hold, and accordingly, Udupi MLA Pramodh Madhwaraj has been directed to take appropriate steps in the matter, said auto drivers' and owners' union vice-president B Narasimhamurthy.
*Representative pic