Agartala, June 5 (TIWN): Putting the blame on the state government over the tension centering over fare hike, former opposition leader Ratan Lal Nath today demanded to have a tripartite meeting to break the ice.

The government must convene a tripartite meeting involving transporters to find an amicable salutation to the problem, he said while speaking to media at Agartala Press Club here today.

Nath clarified that the auto drivers have been flouting the provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act since long time. “Transport department is issuing license to auto drivers on the basis of Motor Vehicles Act. Under the act, three passengers are allowed to board an auto-rickshaw. However, they (auto drivers) have been carrying 4/5/6 passengers while the law enforcement agencies remain silent”, he pointed out.

Asserting that the High Court has not passed any order on the auto-rickshaw service, he said, “It was a deliberate attempt to mislead the people on the issue. The government has been allowing the auto drivers to carry more passengers than the prescribed norms”.

Alleging that the revised rate chart and permit are faulty, Nath said there is need to have a tripartite meeting to resolve the problem. “If situation needs, the government could increase the auto-fare after a common understanding”, he said.

Nath also criticized the government for failing to introduce city bus service for better transport facilities to the city dwellers. “Under the JNNURM, the Centre has sanctioned money for buying buses to introduce city bus service. Interestingly, not a single bus has been engaged in the city yet. Buses meant for city bus service have been using other purpose”, he said.

The number of licensed auto rickshaws stands at 31,233 while 5000 auto-rickshaws are engaged in Agartala Municipal Council (AMC) areas. And, the CPM backed trade union-CITU has been dominating the public transport system in the state.