HYDERABAD: Several autorickshaw drivers unions opposing GO No.213, which makes digital meters compulsory for all autorickshaws, ostensibly to prevent tampering of meters, have threatened to launch an agitation.

The Andhra Pradesh Auto and Taxi Drivers Union (BMS), Auto Drivers Joint Action Committee, Andhra Pradesh Auto and Trolley Drivers Union (CITU), Progressive Auto and Motor Workers Union (IFTU) and Telugu Nadu Auto and Trolley Drivers Union in separate statements opposed the Government move and said the belief that digital meters would check tampering was a myth.

No solution

Andhra Pradesh Auto and Taxi Drivers Union president S.Raghavendra Rao and general secretary A.Ravishankar told mediapersons here on Thursday that the experience in other States had proved that tampering of digital meters was even easier. They suggested to the Government to continue with the mechanical meters but initiate stern action against those involved in tampering meters.

The Government's decision would burden the drivers as a digital meter would cost Rs. 2,500, its maintenance Rs.300 a month apart from expenditure on spare parts, while proving no solution to the tampering issue, they said.

The Andhra Pradesh Auto and Trolley Drivers Union burnt copies of the GO at RTC X Roads to register its protest. Its city president U.A.Narayana said the only way to prevent meter tampering was to solve the problems of autorickshaw drivers.

Problems cited

Rising petrol prices, corruption in RTA offices, imposition of high penalties by traffic policemen, high interest rates charged by financiers, hike in prices of automobiles, repair charges were the problems that should be addressed first besides initiating strict measures to check tampering, he said. The Progressive Auto and Motor Workers Union countered the Government claims and said digital meters in Delhi and Chennai were only ornamental. Frequent breakdown of digital meters was another problem and non-functioning digital meters would create new problems for drivers and the public.

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