Pics: Sumanth

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jul 23: The Udupi District Taximen’s and Maxicab Association, along with the Karnataka Taxi Driver Organization, staged a protest against the mandatory installation of panic buttons and GPS devices in taxis at the DC office in Manipal on July 23.

Raghupati Bhat, president of the Udupi District Taximen’s and Maxicab Association and former MLA, emphasized that the protest aimed to highlight the challenges faced by taxi owners, particularly concerning the installation of panic buttons. He said, “All protests organized by the Taximen’s Association have been successful. While GPS and panic button installation has been mandated by the central government, the issue lies with implementing these on older vehicles, which poses financial burdens. This move primarily benefits whiteboard vehicle owners who illegally rent out their vehicles. The state government must address this illegal taxi issue.”

Raghupati Bhat further stated, “The implementation of new rules appears to be for commissions and benefits the company and administration. Installing GPS in private vehicles is crucial to prevent incidents like harassment, assault, and illegal activities.”

Regarding vehicle conversion to private status, Bhat mentioned, “In general meetings, taxi drivers suggested converting their vehicles to private status to avoid problems, but as responsible members, we are refraining from such actions. If our request is ignored, we will protest before the RTO and seize the RTO office. I request the people's representatives to raise their voices for taxi drivers in parliament. I extend thanks to Ivan D'Souza for his advocacy on our behalf.”

Ramesh Kundapur, president of the Karnataka Taxi Drivers Association, said, “There is no dedicated panic button control room in Karnataka yet; mandating panic buttons without adequate support systems in place is unjust. Drivers face safety threats, including assaults from intoxicated passengers. We demand safety measures that protect drivers as well. If the authorities do not respond to our request, we will stage a fierce protest in the future.”

Ramesh Kotian, general secretary of the Udupi District Taximen's and Maxicab Association, added, “We urge authorities not to enforce the installation of GPS and panic buttons on older vehicles. Instead, these should be started in new vehicles. We will meet Ramalinga Reddy, Minister of Transport, to convey our concerns. Additionally, stricter regulations are needed for whiteboard vehicles used for rental purposes. We have submitted an appeal to RTO authorities and the district administration to stop the renting of whiteboard vehicles, and if our demands are not met, we will hold a protest.”

The Udupi District Taximen's and Maxicab Association and the Karnataka Taxi Drivers Association submitted a memorandum to Mamatha Devi, ADC, Udupi, and an RTO official, outlining their demands at the protest site.

Gururaj Kundapur, treasurer of the State Taximen's and Maxicab Association; Ambarish; Prakash Adiga, treasurer of the Udupi District Taximen's and Maxicab Association; vice presidents Sathish Nayak, Ragavendra, Ravi Shetty, Harsh, Jayakar, Vikram, Krishna Kotian, Sathish Shetty, and others were present at the protest.