Mangaluru: A protest organized by Dakshina Kannada District Taximen and Maxicab Association in collaboration with other similar organizations, here on July 3rd saw a rally of around hundred taxis move from Jyothi to Nehru Maidan, and a protest meet in front of the DC’s office.
J R Shanmugappa, the President of the Federation of Lorry Owners’ Agents’ Association told the protesters, “App-based Ola and Uber taxi services are functioning illegally. Just as they have been banned in Kolkata and Chandigarh, they should also be banned here in Karnataka. We demand the DC to take strict action against Ola and make Dakshina Kannada a model district in the state,” he added.
He castigated the functioning of the of the services. “These taxi services they are not following rules under the Motor Vehicles Act. There are 186 cases of violation of law by these companies in the state. The DC can stop Ola service on the grounds of safety, as done in Kolkata and Chandigarh. Ola does not have permits. When already taxis are there, what is the necessity of allowing them to operate?” he questioned. He likened their running to poison – He said, “Instead of having this, please give us poison.” He warned, “Within one month proper action should be taken against Ola service or we will hold a severe protest.”
Former MLC Monappa Bhandary, and president of Mangaluru taximen association said, “From the past 6 months we have been issuing memorandums against Ola service, but no action has been taken so far. This has put the common taxi drivers into much difficulties. We have met RTO, DC and other officers concerned regarding this, but in vain. This cannot be tolerated.”
He alleged that these taxi firms are being funded by black money. “When prices of spare parts have increased, can these taxi companies charge lesser fares from passengers? We suspect that black money is involved and this is a way to turn it into white money. Politicians may also be involved in it. If this continues, we will intensify our protest. These companies are functioning illegally – no one knows who is the owner and who is the driver.”
Karnataka State Tourist Vehicle Owners’ Association president K G Ravindra said, “There is no proper information about drivers, not even badge. These private companies are monopolizing the market and making others slaves.”
Mangaluru Airport Taxi Drivers Association secretary Radhakrishna Holla said, “In Karnataka there are 25,000 cabs belonging to private online services. They have no proper documents and international investments have gone into them. The government has allowed them to make backdoor entry. The DC should take strict action.”
Mangaluru Travel Owners’ Association president Roshan Pinto, Mangaluru Taximen Association general secretary K Anand, Udupi Taximen Association general secretary Ramesh Kotian and others were present.
