Two-stroke autorickshaw subsidy is nowhere in sight
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By Y Maheswara Reddy
Auto owners running from pillar to post for the promised Rs 30,000 subsidy
Here is an example of how some people are facing problems for taking government schemes seriously. Around 30autorickshaw owners are running from pillar to post to avail the subsidy announced by the previous Congress government led by Siddaramaiah. The objective of the government was to get rid of two-stroke autorickshaws that have become a health hazard for the residents of Bangalore . The government had issued an order announcing Rs 30,000 subsidy for the two-stroke autorickshaws surrendered to the authorized scrap dealers. This subsidy can be utilized for purchasing four-stroke autorickshaws.
“I surrendered my autorickshaw expecting the government to sanction Rs 30,000 subsidy. I did not receive it. Now, I am paying an equal monthly instalment (EMI) of Rs 6,300 for a new autorickshaw. It will be a great relief for me if the government releases the subsidy,’’ says Murali, an autorickshaw owner from Frazer Town.
Around 30 autorickshaws were surrendered among the 2,000 two-stroke autorickshaws in the city. With one of the autorickshaw drivers’ union approaching the court, the government had extended the deadline for surrendering the two-stroke autorickshaws till March 2020. With this development, the autorickshaw owners who had already surrendered their vehicles are in a dilemma. They are compelled to avail 100 per cent finance for purchasing new authorickshaws and have to pay Rs 6,300 per month for 36 months. This decision had also made the authorized scrap dealers to incur a huge loss, having invested on machinery and scrap yard.
“I encouraged autorickshaw owners to surrender their two-stroke vehicles and they listened to me. Now, I am not in a position to help them since the authorities concerned are not releasing the subsidy amount,’’ says C Sampath, General Secretary, Adarsh Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union.
Extension of the deadline for phasing out two-stroke autorickshaws is having an adverse impact on the environment. These auto-rickshaws are plying on the outskirts of the city during the day and in core areas during the night. The drivers who ply these autorickshaws have no driving license.
“We have no control on such people. There are many instances of these autorickshaws emitting lot of smoke but no action has been taken against such vehicles by the authorities concerned. These vehicles have no digital fare meters. The drivers demand more money from passengers, especially those not from the city,’’ says a union leader on a condition of anonymity.
Omkareshwari, Joint Commissioner, Regional Transport Office, was not available for comment.
Auto owners running from pillar to post for the promised Rs 30,000 subsidy
Here is an example of how some people are facing problems for taking government schemes seriously. Around 30
“I surrendered my autorickshaw expecting the government to sanction Rs 30,000 subsidy. I did not receive it. Now, I am paying an equal monthly instalment (EMI) of Rs 6,300 for a new autorickshaw. It will be a great relief for me if the government releases the subsidy,’’ says Murali, an autorickshaw owner from Frazer Town.
The Transport Department has authorized three scrap dealers to collect the two-stroke autorickshaws and the owners are expected to get Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 based on the condition of the autorickshaws.
Around 30 autorickshaws were surrendered among the 2,000 two-stroke autorickshaws in the city. With one of the autorickshaw drivers’ union approaching the court, the government had extended the deadline for surrendering the two-stroke autorickshaws till March 2020. With this development, the autorickshaw owners who had already surrendered their vehicles are in a dilemma. They are compelled to avail 100 per cent finance for purchasing new authorickshaws and have to pay Rs 6,300 per month for 36 months. This decision had also made the authorized scrap dealers to incur a huge loss, having invested on machinery and scrap yard.
I surrendered my autorickshaw expecting the government to sanction Rs 30,000 subsidy. I did not receive it. Now, I am paying an EMI of Rs 6,300 for a new autorickshaw
“I encouraged autorickshaw owners to surrender their two-stroke vehicles and they listened to me. Now, I am not in a position to help them since the authorities concerned are not releasing the subsidy amount,’’ says C Sampath, General Secretary, Adarsh Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union.
Extension of the deadline for phasing out two-stroke autorickshaws is having an adverse impact on the environment. These auto-rickshaws are plying on the outskirts of the city during the day and in core areas during the night. The drivers who ply these autorickshaws have no driving license.
“We have no control on such people. There are many instances of these autorickshaws emitting lot of smoke but no action has been taken against such vehicles by the authorities concerned. These vehicles have no digital fare meters. The drivers demand more money from passengers, especially those not from the city,’’ says a union leader on a condition of anonymity.
Omkareshwari, Joint Commissioner, Regional Transport Office, was not available for comment.
