Taxi drivers seek govt dole to tide over crisis period

Chennai

A divi-sion bench comprising Justice R Subbiah and Justice Krishnan Ramasamy, before whom the plea came up for hearing on Thursday, ordered notice to the State and Centre returnable by July 1.

The association, represented by its secretary Jude Mathew, submitted that owing to the lockdown, the operators of taxi and rental vehicles are affected badly. Claiming that most of the drivers are in 25 to 50 age group and breadwinners for their family, it pleaded government support for survival.

The plea further submitted that under the Prime Minister’s scheme, loans are provided to start new businesses like purchasing a taxi/auto etc but not to revive old businesses. “So, either a new scheme ought to be formulated or the existing scheme altered to help the taxi drivers and vehicle owners,” it said.

Besides seeking financial assistance of Rs 15,000 based on commercial badge license, the plea also sought discounts in road tax, a six-month extension to renew fitness certificate, interest-free loan of Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh, exemption from paying toll, interstate road tax/permit for one year and fuel subsidy by slashing Central, State taxes and other surcharges.