Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Jul 23: The Dakshina Kannada Taxi Men's and Maxicab Association, in partnership with Dakshina Kannada District School Vehicles Association, tourist vehicle organizations, and other like-minded associations held a massive protest against the unscientific panic button and GPS installation order for tourist vehicles on Tuesday, July 23, at Clock Tower here.

Addressing the protestors, Anand Gowda K, district president of the Taxi Men's and Maxicab Association, stated, "We are already facing problems from the online cab system. Implementing this order in our twin districts will cause significant issues for us. In India, we have one nation, one tax policy, allowing us to travel across the country by paying tax at one RTO. However, there is no one nation policy for taxi drivers. I request the Transportation Department to reconsider and not burden the citizens."

RTO officials explained, "This decision was made by the central government following incidents like the Nirbhaya case in Delhi. From April 1, it is mandatory for all vehicles to have these installations. We believe in one nation, one software. The Vahan software is highly integrated, helping us track vehicles and handle situations efficiently. This rule is implemented for your benefit and will help prevent false fines against you. We will also inform higher officials about your concerns."

Dinesh Kumpala M, president of the Taxi Men's and Maxicab Association, added, "We have complied with all government rules, from installing yellow number plates to HSRP number plates. However, the government has not taken any steps to assist taxi drivers. While whiteboard vehicles are often ignored, taxi drivers with yellow number plates face numerous issues."

Responding to this, the RTO official said, "There is no discrepancy in the transportation department. Information and photographs of those using mobile phones while driving or not wearing seat belts will be sent to their home addresses. We treat everyone equally."

Nagappa B Adyar, vice president of the Taxi Men's and Maxicab Association, emphasized, "We have gathered here for a peaceful protest. If our demands are not addressed, we will take serious action. We believe the officials will listen to our problems and try to resolve them, and we respect their efforts."

Anand Gowda K, Kamalaksha, general secretary, and Harish Shetty, vice president, submitted their appeal to the RTO officials.

Mohan Kumar Attavar from the Dakshina Kannada School Children's Vehicle Association; Abel D'Souza and Harish Shetty, vice presidents of the Taxi Men's and Maxicab Association; Uday Kumar, organizing secretary of the Taxi Men's and Maxicab Association; and Sanjay K Kotian, assistant organizing secretary of the Taxi Men's and Maxicab Association, among others were present.