Bedi for panel to regulate auto fares

Reacting to an article in a newspaper on the issue, Bedi in a WhatsApp message said this is a case of collective failure, where enforcement and political will has to change and improve the systemwhich is weak.

She suggested that to address this issue a committee headed by the Transport Minister with Transport Secretary, IGP, Additional Secretary (Home), Director Tourism besides District Collector be formed to finalise a plan of action and oversee the implementation.

Puducherry is a tourist destination and cannot be left to the mercy of somevested interests.

The Lt Governor said that she got information that Rs 18 per km is fixed as charge for auto rickshaws in Puducherry, it is only Rs 13 per km in Kerala where the price of petrol is costlier by Rs 5 thanPuducherry.

This was the first mistake carried out by the government out of pressure, she said, adding that now when the rates were fixed there was no mechanism to see that the meters were fixed or whether the rates were followed or not.

Political intervention is said to be the reason,Bedi said.

She said the committee could hear the grievance of three wheeler drivers, take decisions and enforce them in the overall welfare of commuters in Puducherry.