In a bid to avoid the emergence of an erickshaw cartel on the line of the 'auto mafia', Delhi government has decided to adopt a policy that will prevent a person from owning more than one rickshaw.
Stressing on the need to expedite the process of issuing license, Transport Minister Gopal Rai said that the government will hold a total of 13 camps all over the city between February 23 to 28 to issue learners' license to the drivers.
Explaining the reason behind the government's move, Rai said that following the enforcement of the new central government guidelines on erickshaws not more than 600 vehicles have been granted license.
"The camps are being organised to speed up the license issuing process so that thousands of drivers who have been left jobless get back their livelihood," he said.
The camps will be held at MLO offices various places including ITO depot, Sheikh Sarai, Mayur Vihar, Raja Garden, Rohini, Janakpuri and Vasant Vihar.
Formulating a fair and just policy for the ownership and operation of erickshaws was one of Aam Aadmi Party's key poll promises.
To raise awareness among the drivers, the government will also be putting out notices on newspapers apart from distributing pamphlets about the camps among the drivers.
The Minister added that drivers will have the option of applying for learners' license and PSV badge simultaneously.
"Drivers will be able to apply for a permanent license 30 days after obtaining the learners' license. He will have to pass a mandatory driving test after that," Rai said.
In a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal yesterday, officials of the transport department were asked to organise the camps.
Rai said that the government's priority was to review the "complexities" and to simplify the process for which it was ready to "talk with the Centre".
