Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar has backed the decision to issue state permits to autorickshaws. 

Ganesh Kumar believes this decision will benefit autorickshaw workers and help them conduct long-distance trips. However, CITU has raised concerns that auto-rickshaws, designed for short-distance travel, could pose a risk of accidents if used for longer journeys. This disagreement has set the stage for a potential dispute between the minister and the left labour organization over the State Transport Authority's (STA) decision.

Despite CITU's opposition, it is notable that the union itself had earlier applied for a similar permit. The CITU state leadership has consistently argued that autorickshaws registered in one district should be allowed to travel at least 30 km into neighbouring districts. The CITU's Kannur Madayi unit even submitted a petition demanding the same during the Nava Kerala Sadas. This request has been presented to the STA multiple times but was rejected.

Lack of Study

Meanwhile, it is argued that STA's decision to issue state permits to auto-rickshaws was made without conducting proper studies. The committee responsible for the decision includes Transport Commissioner S Sreejith, Traffic IG G. Sparjan Kumar, and non-official member Prakash Kumar. 

CITU argues that the move to grant state permits to auto-rickshaws could lead to accidents, particularly with the ongoing construction of six-lane national highways designed for speeds of up to 100 km/h, while auto-rickshaws are limited to a maximum speed of 50 km/h.

Legal requirements for implementation

For the STA's decision to grant state permits to auto-rickshaws to take effect, legal amendments are required. Since this process may take time, the Transport Commissioner is expected to direct that existing district permits be treated as state permits.