mangalore today

Minimum auto fare impasse: DC chaired meet fails to arrive at consensus


Mangalore Today News Network

 Mangaluru, Feb 19, 2015:  A meeting held in the city on February 19, Thursday under the presidentship of the Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim to end the impasse over the minimum autorickshaw fares, failed to arrive at a consensus.  Speaking to media men after the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner said a decision would be taken after  evaluating the fares scientifically.


RTA  meet 1



RTA  meet 1



RTA  meet 1



RTA  meet 1



RTA  meet 1



RTA  meet 1


The meeting was held at the behest of DK District in-charge Minister B Ramanatha Rai and was participated by RTA officials, representatives of autorickshaw unions, members of the general public as well as social activists.

The Deputy Commissioner gave a patient hearing to the opinion expressed by representatives of various organisations, some in favour of the reduction in minimum fares and some against it. He later assured to take a final decision very soon.

Sunil Kumar Bajal of DYFI who spoke at the meeting, backed the demand of the autorickshaw drivers to revoke the order reducing the minimum fares on the grounds that  the autorickshaw drivers cannot afford it  in the present times when the cost of living was high.

Social worker Hanumanth Kamath however defended the reduction in minimum fares and said it was a welcome move considering the interests of the passengers. He also argued that though many autorickshaw drivers agreed to the reduction in minimum, it was due to some union leaders that the impasse has continued.

The Karnataka  Rakshana Vedike representatives also spoke in support of the reduction in minimum fare.

However, there was some confusion in the meeting when Dayanath Kotian of Forum for Justice claimed that his Forum can run autorickshaws for Rs 15 minimum fare if given permits.

Dr Sharanappa, SP and other officials were present at the meeting.