Auto-rickshaw unions threaten stir over order on GPS meters

The Transport department had not linked GPS installation with issuance of fitness certificates prior to this, even though it is part of the government policy. According to the Transport department, the decision was taken after a meeting of the Special Task Force held in North Block on April 1. “In the meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary, it was decided not to give fitness certificate to auto-rickshaws and buses which do not have GPS installed. The Transport department then issued an order asking the motor licensing authority at Burari to implement this,’’ an official said. He said the decision was taken to ensure security of passengers  who take public transport.

Two years ago, the Transport department had made GPS mandatory for 45,000 new auto-rickshaws. Earlier this year, the AAP government had said GPS would not be made mandatory for all auto-rickshaws. It said the new autos could buy these devices from any empanelled dealer.

Auto unions have now threatened to go on a two-day strike if the order is not withdrawn by May 4. “No prior intimation was provided to us. Many drivers who own old auto-rickshaws were sent back without a fitness certificate because of this order. With no elected government and a code of conduct in place due to the Lok Sabha elections, the bureaucracy is going ahead and doing whatever it wants without taking us into consideration. The Transport department had earlier said GPS is mandatory only for new auto-rickshaw permits,’’ Kishan Verma, president of All Delhi Auto Taxi Transporters Congress Union, said.

“There are several autorickshaws that are too old and are soon going to be scrapped. What’s the point of installing GPS in such autos? If this order is not withdrawn, we will be forced to go on strike,” Rajinder Soni, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, said.  According to unions, a GPS meter costs around Rs 13,400. “They don’t even serve any purpose and are an added expense,’’ Soni said.