Stong measures against rogue taxi drivers in Kolkata: Minister

Rattled by growing incidents of crime against women and misbehaviour with passengers by taxi drivers in the city, the West Bengal government today said it was mulling srong measures to curb the menace.
State Transport Minister Madan Mitra told reporters today that as an immediate measure, he would convene a meeting of the trade unions of taxi owners, drivers and police officials tomorrow to devise a response to the situation before it goes out of control.
"If required, the government would not hesitate to enact strong legislation or amend the existing laws to rein in the rogue drivers," Mitra said.

"Most of the taxi drivers are not aware of Bengal's language and culture and the sentiment of local people and thus fail to provide them with the service they require," Mitra pointed out.
He referred to yesterday's incidents in which a taxi driver molested a woman passenger over Basanti highway near the city and another misbehaved with passngers in the Bhowanipore area of the city, expressing regret.
Both the drivers had been arrested and produced before the court, he said.
The Minister said that from now on complaint forms would be kept ready at all traffic kiosks.