Education qualification as an eligibility criteria bars genuine drivers to seek permits.
A majority of persons, whose name appeared in the transport department's first lottery system for autorickshaw permits, may not be auto drivers.
But what's more surprising and shocking is that these persons may use the permits to rent out their autos illegally, thereby charging hefty amounts, claims city auto associations.
The association also claims that the requirement of SSC pass to get a new permit will increase the presence of illegal autos on city roads. The transport department's first lottery system for autorickshaw permits has become the bone of contention for both auto associations and region transport office (RTO) Vashi. Now, apart from political parties, various auto associations have submitted their suggestions to deputy RTO Vashi.
The clause of SSC pass to be eligible to get auto permit did not go well among auto drivers, as many of them who have been in the profession for a long time will be left out. "Many old auto drivers, who were plying autos owned by others, have lost the opportunity to have their own auto permit. Now, they will be jobless," said an auto driver.
However, some auto drivers claim that a majority of persons, whose names have appeared in the draw, are not employed as auto drivers and, in fact, they are having other occupations. "Now, they will rent out the permit by charging a hefty amount," said another driver, adding, "They amount may vary between Rs1 lakh to Rs1.5 lakh."
Sanjay Dhaygude, deputy RTO said, "Renting out permits to others is illegal and if we receive complaints in this regard, strict action will be taken."
He added that the permit can be transferred legally through RTO by paying Rs25,000 fee. "In the last few weeks, many permit holders have turned out to transfer their permits."
Dhaygude also confirmed that they have received suggestions and complaints about the education qualification as an eligibility to get auto permit. "This is a policy-level decision, however, we have forwarded all the issues to secretary RTO Thane for redressal," he clarified.
Number game
The deputy RTO randomly selected 2,687 persons' names for the permits through computer draw
The remaining 2,998 people's applications were put in the waiting list
However, the RTO had received 7,655 applications, of which only 5,685 applications were found correct
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