Island Auto Sector at crossroads as its Federation seeks crackdown on Permit Misuse

Port Blair: With rising fuel costs and shrinking earnings pushing many auto-rickshaw drivers to the brink, the Island Joint Auto Unions Federation (IJAUF) has called upon the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to urgently address long-pending issues related to fare revision, permit regulations and alleged misuse of permits, warning that continued inaction is jeopardising the livelihood of hundreds of families dependent on the sector.Raising concerns over the mounting economic challenges faced by auto-rickshaw operators across the Islands, the Federation has urged the Administration to initiate immediate measures for revising auto fares and reforming the permit system to safeguard employment opportunities for genuinely unemployed drivers.In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Secretary, the federation pointed out that the existing auto-rickshaw tariff structure, last revised in 2019, has become outdated in the face of steep increases in fuel prices, inflation and day-to-day operational expenses. The unions stressed that drivers are struggling to sustain their livelihoods under the present fare regime and sought an immediate revision of rates. It also pressed for stricter eligibility norms in the issuance and renewal of permits. It proposed making unemployment certificates mandatory for obtaining new permits, meter sealing, permit renewals, ownership transfers and re-issuance of permits for replacement vehicles. According to the unions, a significant number of permits are allegedly held by permanent government employees, retirees and individuals engaged in other businesses, limiting opportunities for unemployed youth who depend solely on auto-rickshaw operations for income.Highlighting concerns over regulatory disparities, the federation questioned why proof of parking space is mandatory for auto-rickshaw owners while similar requirements are not enforced for private white-board vehicles. It called for uniform implementation of such norms across vehicle categories.To prevent misuse of permits, the unions demanded that only the individual in whose name the permit has been issued should be authorised to operate the vehicle. They further sought resolution of several pending permit transfer cases and advocated a transparent, simplified and time-bound mechanism for permit transfers.The memorandum also raised objections to the alleged operation of certain jeep services on the Namunaghar and Bambooflat routes in violation of permit conditions. The federation claimed that such practices adversely affect the earnings of auto-rickshaw drivers and requested the Administration to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter.In another significant proposal, the federation recommended introducing a colour-coded windscreen identification system for different categories of permit holders, including general, women and differently-abled beneficiaries. The unions alleged that vehicles registered under special categories are often operated by unauthorised persons or leased out for financial gain, defeating the social welfare objectives of the permit policy and depriving deserving beneficiaries of opportunities. Calling for immediate engagement with stakeholders, the IJAUF urged the Administration to hold discussions with representatives of the auto-rickshaw community and resolve the issues in a time-bound manner. The federation has requested that its demands be examined and acted upon within 15 days of submission of the memorandum.The representation underscores growing concerns within the Island transport sector, where auto-rickshaw drivers say rising costs, regulatory loopholes and alleged permit irregularities are steadily eroding their ability to earn a sustainable livelihood.