Mangaluru: Deputy commissioner and the regional road transport authority (RTA) chairman, Darshan HV, said that all e-autorickshaw drivers and owners must submit their applications seeking permits through the regional transport office (RTO) by March 31. Addressing a meeting of representatives from various autorickshaw drivers’ and owners’ forums Friday, he said, according to data from the RTO, out of around 2,800 electric autorickshaws, only 250 applications were received so far in the district. Noting that the state govt made permits mandatory for all commercial electric autorickshaws, Darshan said all e-auto owners must apply for permits. Meanwhile, autorickshaw drivers requested that the RTA relax conditions, especially the mandatory submission of a residence certificate proving a minimum of five years’ stay within the limits of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) along with the application. They said a majority of them resided in rented houses, and it would be difficult to produce such certificates. However, SP Dr Arun K said documents such as LPG cylinder refill bills or electricity bills could also be submitted to prove their five years’ stay in the city. Drivers raised objections to another condition laid down by the RTA that the electric autorickshaws must be driven by the permit holder only. A driver said that many of them purchased electric autorickshaws in the names of their mothers, wives, or sisters after banks rejected loan applications citing low CIBIL scores. The SP suggested that drivers submit their concerns in writing while applying for permits, which would be considered during scrutiny. ‘Relax zonal rules’ Autorickshaw drivers operating in rural areas of Dakshina Kannada demanded that the zonal regulations, which restricted their operational jurisdictions, needed to be reviewed. They said those who transported patients to hospitals in Mangaluru were penalised by police for violating zonal limits. They sought relaxation in rules for autorickshaws from the rural zone to enter Mangaluru city in emergency situations and for maintenance purposes. The DC said some relaxation in rules would be considered for rural autos bringing patients to hospitals or dropping passengers at railway stations.
