Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Mar 24: The Dakshina Kannada Taxi Men’s & Maxicab Association has alleged irregularities and overcharging in the installation of panic button devices in tourist vehicles, and has urged the state government to intervene and fix appropriate rates.

In a press release, office-bearers including president Ananda K, general secretary Udaya Kumar, and treasurer Suresh Salian stated that the panic button device, made mandatory for tourist vehicles, is “unscientific and useless” and has become a financial burden on taxi and maxicab owners.

The association said that although the original cost of the panic button device is between Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,000, the transport department informed the High Court that the device would be supplied for around Rs 8,250 and empanelled 12 companies for installation. However, these companies are allegedly charging vehicle owners between Rs 13,500 and Rs 16,000, and refusing to provide proper bills.

They stated that vehicle owners are compelled to install the device to obtain a Fitness Certificate (FC) for their vehicles. However, they alleged that the panic button system is non-functional, as pressing the button does not send any message to a control room, and no response calls are received even after several days. They further claimed that no proper control room system is in place, rendering the device ineffective.

The association also alleged that vehicle owners who have already installed the device and obtained FC are now being asked to pay an annual recharge fee of Rs 3,800, whereas the transport department had earlier stated that the fee would be Rs 1,800. They said FCs are being withheld by RTO officials if the recharge is not completed, causing difficulties to taxi and maxicab operators across the state.

The association urged the state government and the transport department to ensure that only the officially announced recharge fee of Rs 1,800 is collected, and to address the issues faced by vehicle owners.

Meanwhile, it stated that several proposals related to infrastructure development, building expansion, and other facilities concerning the institute had been submitted earlier, but no concrete action has been taken so far. The matter was brought to the notice of the transport minister and discussed through the Karkala Institute Association, but no final decision has been reached.

They clarified that the fee rates were not fixed by them, and even during discussions with companies, rate fixation was not finalised. Several meetings were held on the issue, but no clear outcome has emerged so far. They urged the authorities to take immediate steps towards infrastructure development.

They also stated that they have no loans or major financial liabilities, and have no objection whether the quoted rates include or exclude GST. Even if 18% GST is added, the work can continue, provided the overall cost remains reasonable so that daily wage workers dependent on the sector are not adversely affected.

They appealed through the media for government intervention and a fair resolution to ensure that taxi operators, small contractors, and workers are not financially burdened.