Journalism of Courage
The Regional Transport Office (RTO) has extended the deadline for renewing permits of autorickshaws to December 15 from November 30, as per a Government Resolution (GR) issued on December 3.
The RTO had said that November 30 was the last day to submit applications for renewal of cancelled and lapsed permits and warned strict action against those drivers who would not renew their permits within the deadline.
Officials said since the date has been extended they want all the rickshaw drivers to complete the renewal of permits.
The state government has initiated special drive for renewal of cancelled and lapsed permits of autorickshaws. At least 2,500 autorickshaw permits in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad were expected to be renewed during the drive.
RTO officials said they kept one counter open at the office to assist even on the weekend. The RTO Friday issued the fresh notification after the GR.
As per the GR, autorickshaw permits which have lapsed or have defaulted in payment of environment or other taxes have been granted a one-time amnesty scheme, according to which the permits can be renewed by paying Rs 15,000. At least 1.5 lakh permits were due for renewal in the state for various reasons.
In 2013-14, the Pune RTO had carried out a special drive for renewal of licenses which had lapsed over the years.
More than 4,500 permits were renewed by the RTO then. The process, although streamlined, had created a lot of confusion which had seen auto drivers and owners crowding the RTO.
