Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners and Agents Associations G.R. Shanmugappa on Friday warned the State Government of halting all commercial vehicles across Karnataka if it does not reign in app-based taxi services in the state in general and coastal districts in particular.
Addressing members of Dakshina Kannada Taximen and Maxicab Association here, Mr. Shanmugappa said the Central Government has given an option to State Governments either to allow or prevent app-based taxi operators. He is also the Vice-President of All India Motor Transport Congress.
The Deputy Commissioner of the district concerned is the competent authority to issue orders and the Federation urges the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner to restrain app-based operators, he said.
Traditional taxi operators in Dakshina Kannada are up in arms against the entry of Ola Cabs in Mangaluru, claiming app-based operators would eliminate traditional operators and render thousands jobless.
Addressing the members, DK Association President K. Monappa Bhandari suspected app-based operators are being funded through black money and alleged they are patronized by politicians and bureaucrats. Since six months, the state transport department is dillydallying on regulating app-based operators, he said.
Traditional taxi men do not have any objections if app-based operators obtain necessary permit and work within the existing framework of law, said Bangalore Tourist Taxi Owners Association General Secretary K. Radhakrishna Holla.
Earlier, the operators took out a procession with their vehicles on main roads in the city before assembling near the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
