Government threatens to cancel permits of rogue auto-drivers

Warning rogue auto-rickshaw drivers in the city, the West Bengal government today threatened to cancel their permits and issue them to new drivers.
"Either you stop or you go," state transport minister Madan Mitra gave this ultimatum to auto-rickshaw drivers saying they can cancel their permits and issue it under the same number to new drivers.
"Not all auto-rickshaw drivers are bad. There is only a small percentage who are creating trouble," Mitra told reporters.
Incidents involving auto-rickshaws have been on the rise of late in the city.
On January 26, a 27-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted by an auto-rickshaw driver at New Alipore over change for Rs 50 note.

Earlier on January 16, a woman executive was allegedly punched in the face and left bleeding by an auto-rickshaw driver at Park Circus.

Mitra had earlier said the government would press non-bailable charges to rein in rogue drivers and stop them from overcharging passengers.
He also alleged that the Centre had failed to ensure availability of coins in the market.
"We are suffering because of this. Most of the incidents related with autos have been because neither the passengers nor the auto-drivers have change," he said.
On complaints of auto drivers that the delivery of their travel documents have been delayed by the department, he said to regularise all illegal autos in the city they will open a special counter for 15 days from this Monday at the transport department office.

He also announced compensation for those who were victimised in the recent cases of violence related to auto rides.
Increasing the fleet of the new 'No Refusal' taxis in the city, another 750 such cabs would be launched tomorrow, he said.