From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jun 30: App-based taxi operators like Ola, Uber, Meru were asked to take utmost precautions to ensure the safety of women and children by Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Addressing a meeting of the representatives of app-based taxi operation companies like Ola, Uber, Meru at the Bengaluru Metropolitan Development Authority office in the city on Saturday, he said it was the responsibility of the companies to prevent any untoward incidents like molestation and exploitation of women by the taxi drivers.

Dr Parameshwara, who is also holding in charge of the Home Department, expressed grave concern over the recent incident over the sexual assault and molestation in an Ola cab, which was highly disturbing in a global city like Bengaluru.

He asked the companies to make adequate verification and checks on the antecedents of the drivers appointed by them and also to obtain complete dossiers of the drivers before appointing them. He also advised the companies to get a police verification done on the antecedents of the drivers as precondition to appointment.

The Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that the app-based taxi operators were found to be operating 3.5 lakh trips a day in the city and underscored the need to ensure safety of the commuters.

Taking note of the fact that very few women drivers were taking up driving taxis, he said appointing more women drivers might instil more confidence in the women using the taxis. However, it was necessary to ensure that women drivers were also given due protection.

DIG of Police Hithendra Seemath Kumar participated in the meeting.