The Hindu Business Line : Digital meter for autos in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Dec. 26 After stiff resistance for months, the auto-rickshaw drivers in the State capital seem to have fallen in line and have started replacing the mechanical meters with digital ones.

The fact that about 22,000 of the total 1.10 lakh autos are now equipped with digital meters shows the increasing levels of compliance.

The automen went off the roads at least twice in the last six months, protesting against the Government diktat to install digital meters. While the automen alleged that it is an unnecessary burden, the Government argued that the idea was to keep tabs on those who tamper with the mechanical meters.

Tough stand

Taking a tough stand, the Transport Department has made it clear that it will not go back on the move. In order to lessen the financial burden, the Department had negotiated with the manufacturers and persuaded them to bring down the price to Rs 1,700 from Rs 3,500. As a trade-off, the manufacturers were insulated from VAT (value added tax).

Besides, it promoted a mela at the Gymkhana Grounds to sell the units at the promotional offer. “Though there were a few takers initially, the initiative picked up momentum,” Ms Poonam Malakondaiah, Commissioner of Transport Department, said.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, she said she was confident that at least one-third of autos would have the digital meters by the month-end.

Deadline

As the deadline ends on December 31, the Department has decided to extend it till January 31. Besides, it would give tokens to all the automen, interested in buying the meters, extending the rate-cut benefit till January 31.

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