Auto unions ask government not to impose GPS

NEW DELHI: Several auto and taxi unions on Wednesday protested Delhi government’s decision to make Global Positioning System (GPS) installation in their vehicles mandatory, saying the device won’t serve its intended purpose of stopping “sexual harassment” in the capital.

Transport minister Gopal Rai held a public hearing at Burari, where drivers of autorickshaws, taxis, radio taxis, e-rickshaws and gramin sewa raised their issues before him.

At the hearing, most drivers demanded that GPS be removed from the vehicles as in the name of installing this device, they are being “harrased” by the officials.

“There is no benefit of GPS in autos as it has failed to serve its main purpose. There are several persons whose autos fitted with GPS were stolen, but they could not be found either by police or department.

“We are forced to get meter having GPS installed at a cost of `17,000 or `18,000. Besides, we are also asked to pay 2,700 anually and in the name of GPS, we are being harassed. GPS won’t stop rape in Delhi,” Rishi, an autorickshaw driver, said.

Unions also alleged that despite paying `2,700, they are given a receipt of `1,350 and suspected a “scam” in the manner in which it was being done.

Rai said the government would ensure that autorickshaw and taxi operations can soon buy GPS at cheaper rates in the city.