New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) Taking a tough stance against striking auto rickshaw drivers, Delhi government Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely Tuesday warned of strict action against them and said harassment of commuters would not be tolerated.
“Harassment of commuters by auto-rickshaw drivers will not be tolerated at any cost,” said Lovely and urged Delhiites to support the government in its endeavour.

Over 55,000 auto-rickshaws remained off the roads for the second consecutive day Tuesday against the Delhi government’s crackdown on drivers operating without permits, licences and pollution control certificates, causing great hardship to commuters.

The auto unions have repeatedly accused police and officials of the transport department of harassment.

“The demands of the auto unions are not justified and the government cannot compromise on norms and the law to give in to them. Autos are here for the convenience of the public and the government has decided not to succumb to the pressure tactics of auto drivers,” he added.

The minister added: “If an individual driver has a problem or is being harassed by our staff despite having the required permit and documentation, strict action against the official concerned would be taken.”

A meeting was also held at the Delhi Secretariat in this regard, which was attended by officers of the transport department and enforcement wing.

“Strict action would be taken against three-wheeler operators and drivers who violate the permit rules. Keeping in view the auto strike, the government is planning to make alternative arrangements for the commuters,” he said.

Lovely warned that the government would cancel the permits of three-wheeler drivers who are on strike, over-charging or refusing to ply the vehicle.

“A help line number would be started exclusively for complaints against auto-rickshawsaxi drivers and strict action would be taken against erring autosaxis. The Transport Department would start functioning the helpline phone number within a week,” he added.

The minister said he has instructed the transport department to activate the toll free helpline number.

He informed that more than 25 enforcement teams have been deployed to monitor the situation at important locations across the city and been instructed to ensure that commuters are not harassed by three-wheelers.