Mandatory verification of auto drivers on paper only

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 21

On December 23, 2017, the State Transport Authority had issued directions to auto drivers to get their verification done from the local police and display a copy of the driver’s verification report along with a photograph in the auto-rickshaw (behind the driver’s seat).

The auto drivers were given a month to comply with the order. However, over three months on, the STA has failed to issue even a single challan to those driving without verification. Sources said even the traffic police had not started a drive to check verification. The order has remained on paper only.

In the order issued by the Secretary, State Transport Authority, UT, it was stated that the verification should be done by the end of January 2018. The police verification had also been made must for those buying new auto-rickshaws.

The decision was taken after cases of molestation of women passengers in autos were reported in the recent past. Rajiv Tewari, Additional Secretary, STA, said the STA had sent a copy of the direction to the traffic police to ensure compliance. He said though STA teams, comprising two motor vehicle inspectors, were checking verification reports of drivers, no challan had been issued so far. He said since January 1 this year, the STA had issued 321 challans to auto drivers without a driving licence and 454 challans for driving without a permit.

800 autos plying sans registration      

The STA has no record of the auto drivers as the permit is issued directly to the owner. In a majority of the cases, the owner of the auto-rickshaw rents it out to a driver, who changes frequently. Moreover, there is no system to keep a record of the drivers employed by the auto owners. At present, around 5,500 autos are registered with the STA and the UT authorities have stopped  registration of new autos. Sources said approximately 800 autos were running without registration.