Mangalore: Taximen Protest Use of Private Vehicles for Commercial Purposes

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Oct 6: A protest was organized in the city under the leadership of Dakshina Kannada Taximen and Maxicab Owners Association on Wednesday October 6 morning. They were agitated over the use of private vehicles for publicity purposes of a new jewellery show room set to be opened on Falnir Road in the city shortly.

The protestors alleged that a firm, which has bagged a contract for supply of vehicles by the jewellery show room for publicity purposes, has supplied vehicles bearing private registration numbers, for the purposes. They were angry at the use of private vehicles for commercial purposes, as it not only violates law, but also results in losses to the taxis that are registered as commercial vehicles, and therefore, pay higher road taxes. They further pointed out that in case of any untoward incidents while on commercial duty, these vehicles will not be eligible to claim insurance and other compensation.

The agitators, who blocked the said vehicles that were parked at Hampankatta in the city on Wednesday morning from moving out, were led by Monappa Bhandary, president of the said association, and Satish Bhat, general secretary. They also presented a memorandum to the regional transport officer, containing the above points. The regional transport office seized ten vehicles in this connection, thereafter.

Discussions are being held between various parties concerned now, relating to the above incident.