Bhubaneswar: Even as the State Government has further relaxed the lockdown restrictions and restored normal plying of auto-rickshaws 24×7, the All Odisha Autorickshaw Association has objected to the conditions associated with the permission.
The association has opposed the government condition that an autorickshaw cannot carry more than two passengers to prevent spread of coronavirus. But the association held that it would not be commercially viable for the vehicle owners.
The association secretary Padman Samal said it would create confusion and unpleasant situation. While the passengers will insist on following the government order, the autorickshaw drivers will want to take more passengers to meet the fuel expenses, he added.
Besides, the autorickshaw drivers have been sitting idle due to lockdown for the last two months and their saving has been depleted towards maintaining the family. Hence, the government should first extend financial assistance of Rs 10,00 to each of them, he demanded.
Samal said the government should either allow the autorickshaw drivers to function normally or continue the ban on plying the three-wheelers by providing sustenance allowance.
