The Tamil Nadu Open University will soon introduce a course for drivers to help them obtain a badge from the regional transport offices, permitting them to drive transport vehicles. This badge is required in addition to the driving licence for those operating autorickshaws, taxis, buses, lorries and public and commercial vehicles.
TNOU vice-chancellor Chandrakantha Jeyabalan told The Hindu that many people who can drive are barred from employment as they have not passed class VIII — a prerequisite to obtain a badge. “A few months ago, the transport department asked us if we could come up with a solution. So, we designed a one-year course that will be equivalent to class VIII. They will also be issued a badge with their licence,” she said.
The varsity offers similar courses for plumbers. Officials are considering a programme for domestic helps.
A senior official of the transport department said the biggest problem was fake documents. Since the Central government had insisted on Class VIII as a criterion, drivers were banking on touts who promised badges without the prerequisite papers.
The Central government was now considering revamping the criteria for issuing badges, with Class X as a prerequisite, but because of the issue of forgery, the State was asking that it be exempted from this rule, he said.
Earlier, anyone who was over the age of 20 was eligible for a badge, a member of a CITU auto union said. But after 2005, the norms were changed to include Class VIII pass. Thus, many eligible youth are unable to drive autos. If they received badges, they would be able to make a living, he said.
