ID cards for auto drivers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The City Corporation on Friday launched the ID card scheme for autorickshaw drivers in the city. Mayor K Chandrika distributed the first set of ID cards to drivers at a function held on the Corporation campus.“The ID card scheme is intended to ensure the safety of women and children in the city,” the Mayor said. The Mayor said that a small section among the autorickshaw drivers in the city have been resorting to malpractices which has brought disgrace to the community as a whole."A majority of the drivers are sincere who charge legal fares and even takes pain to return goods lost by travellers on the vehicle,” she added.Deputy Mayor G Happykumar said that the ID card scheme would ensure the welfare of the drivers as well. The card would become helpful while implementing the welfare schemes,” he said. The card will be made compulsory for all drivers in the near future, he added.P Mohanan, Assistant Commissioner (Traffic South), said the police would be tough against erring drivers. “The police often receive complaints of drivers fleecing the travellers. Strict action is taken on such complaints,” he said.Around 5,000 applications have been received for the ID card scheme, Deputy Mayor said.  The details included in the ID card are, name of the driver, license no, badge no, auto stand, police station and blood group of the driver. Ten drivers were distributed cards at the inaugural function.