Mangaluru: Members of the Dakshina Kannada Taxi Men’s and Maxi Cab Association staged a protest at the taxi stand near Kavoor Junction on Wednesday, alleging that certain government policies have severely affected the livelihood of taxi and maxi cab operators.
The protesters claimed that several regulations introduced by the state government were unscientific and had made it increasingly difficult for drivers to earn a sustainable income.
Drivers seek action on long-pending demands
Association members said they had been submitting representations to the authorities for the past 57 years, but many of their long-pending demands remain unresolved.
They urged the government to address their concerns at the earliest and introduce policies that support the welfare of taxi and maxi cab operators.
Airport parking charges criticised
One of the key issues raised during the protest was the alleged discriminatory treatment of tourist vehicles at Mangaluru International Airport.
Association leaders claimed that tourist vehicles are being subjected to excessive and unscientific parking charges, significantly affecting the earnings of drivers.
They also alleged that while tourist vehicles comply with all government tax requirements, they continue to face unnecessary restrictions, whereas private vehicles receive various concessions.
Protest aimed at drawing government’s attention
The association clarified that the demonstration was not directed against the government but was intended to highlight the genuine difficulties faced by taxi and maxi cab drivers.
The protesters appealed to the authorities to review the existing regulations, rationalise airport parking charges and implement measures that ensure a fair and sustainable livelihood for transport operators.