The Karnataka Tourist Motorcab/Maxicab Owners Welfare Association has urged authorities to do away with the mandatory educational qualification (standard eight pass) for employment as drivers of transport vehicles in State government departments.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, association president Siddharamaiah said that drivers of transport vehicles currently in service are being denied the driver’s badge if they do not have the minimum educational qualification.
A recent amendment to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules had made it mandatory for drivers to pass eighth standard to obtain a badge.
Mandatory badgeThe badge is mandatory for driving a government vehicle as it serves as a certificate. The drivers also need the badge to obtain display cards for their vehicles.
“Many taxi drivers have good road sense and driving skills but cannot fulfil the educational requirement. Due to this, thousands are left unemployed. We request the Central government to revise this rule that the State government has adopted,” he said.
While admitting that such drivers are unable to read signboards, the association said that new vehicles and cabs have advanced technology which required drivers to follow some basic operating procedures. “Instead of refusing to employ them, increase the training for drivers from the existing 30 days to 45,” Mr. Siddharamaiah said.
MemorandumThe association has submitted a memorandum regarding the issue to Transport Minister B Ramalinga Reddy and Chief Minister Siddharamaiah.
