Ministers’ body to decide fate of 45,000 auto permits

Unable to get a clear plan from the transport department for distributing 45,000 new permits for auto rickshaws in the city, Delhi government has decided to form a group of ministers to take decision.

Unable to get a clear plan from the transport department for distributing 45,000 new permits for auto rickshaws in the city, Delhi government has decided to form a group of ministers to take decision.

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Sources said the group of ministers will be tasked with the responsibility to suggest a policy that benefits all sections of the society. With its eyes clearly set on the Assembly elections next year, sources said the government is leaving no opportunity to win back its traditional votebank constituting the backward and the minorities and they may reflect in the policy that the group of minister will formulate.

“The government is quite keen on giving a quota to the minorities and the backward classes in distribution of auto rickshaw permits. There have already been a few meetings with the stakeholders in this regard,” said a transport department official.

In a landmark decision in November last, the Supreme Court lifted the cap of 55,000 auto rickshaws allowed to ply on the Capital roads. The Apex Court agreed to the transport department’s demand to allow 45,000 new auto rickshaws in first phase. Seven months hence, the department has yet to start distributing permits.