Thiruvananthapuram: CITU has softened its stance on the transport authority’s decision to grant state permit to autorickshaws . The union has now agreed to permit issuance under certain conditions. This decision was taken during their discussions with transport minister K B Ganesh Kumar.
CITU proposed that state permits be granted only to applicants and no special tax be imposed. For autos with permits only in one district, CITU requested those vehicles be allowed to operate in neighbouring districts too. Following the minister’s assurance to consider these points, CITU withdrew its opposition to state permits.
Initially, CITU’s state unit opposed the granting of state permits to autos and had even sent a letter to the transport commissioner demanding withdrawal of the decision. The state transport authority decided to grant state permits based on an application from CITU autorickshaw drivers union’s Madayi area committee from Kannur. However, the state unit had opposed the move.
The state transport authority, comprising the transport commissioner, IG in charge of traffic and transport secretary, took this crucial decision despite warnings that it could increase accident rates. Previously, autorickshaws were permitted to travel only up to 20kms from district borders. The permits were restricted due to the potential risks of long-distance travel.
Motor vehicle department officials had suggested that granting long-distance permits could lead to more accidents. Autoricks.