The Hindu : New Delhi News : A new MCD scheme for auto-rickshaws

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Thursday, Dec 27, 2007
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New Delhi

A new MCD scheme for auto-rickshaws

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has set the ball rolling for an ambitious plan to bring over 70,000 auto-rickshaws in the Capital under its watchful gaze, utilise these vehicles for advertising and, in a unique proposal, also employ auto-rickshaw drivers as “intelligence” seekers for the police.

At a meeting of the MCD Standing Committee on Wednesday, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Remunerative Project Cell and Advertising) Amiya Chandra said the scheme, under which auto-rickshaw drivers would also be provided a comprehensive health insurance plan, was fraught with logistical problems as it was difficult to coordinate the over 70,000 auto-rickshaw drivers on the Capital’s roads.

“We have received several complaints about their behaviour, how they overcharge and indulge in rash driving under the influence of alcohol. Therefore, we have decided to chalk out a programme under which drivers will be taught to follow traffic rules and counselled on substance abuse by non-government organisations.”

Mr. Chandra also informed that there were plans to cultivate auto-rickshaw drivers as potential sources of “intelligence” for the police since most of them were more or less aware of the nefarious activities taking place in the Capital. An NGO, “Nyayabhoomi”, had been approached, and as a trial run 1,000 auto-rickshaws would be brought under the cover of the pilot scheme.

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