The Kosi state government is all set to provide licenses to e-rickshaw drivers after a short practical training.
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City rickshaw (e-rickshaw) has become the main means of public transport in Terai-Madhes cities. These vehicles carry thousands of passengers to their destinations from morning till late at night. However, these vehicles, which look easy on the road, are working in a very dangerous environment.
According to a study, more than 80 percent of city rickshaw drivers plying in various cities of Kosi state do not have a government driving license.
According to a detailed survey conducted this year by Biratnagar-based non-governmental organization 'Vikalp n Alternative', most of the city rickshaw drivers operating in eastern cities like Biratnagar, Itahari and Damak are operating without a license.
In Biratnagar, 84.03 percent drivers are without license. 74 percent in Sunsari's Itahari and 79.37 percent in Jhapa's Damak Damak. 'These statistics show that a large number of city rickshaw drivers are outside the legal sphere,' says Vasant Adhikari, a researcher at the institute, 'neither have government certificates, nor access to measures like insurance.' are . According to the study, 89 percent more drivers are illiterate . Therefore, they do not have the ability to pass the written test on traffic rules . Despite having practical skills, lack of formal training keeps them out of the licensing process .
'Government has made a written test mandatory to get a license', says Harishankar Mandal, a driver from Biratnagar, 'What is the use of such a law for uneducated people like us?' The biggest impact of not having a license is seen during an accident .
drivers are ineligible for insurance claims . The cost of treatment and vehicle maintenance will be borne by them. Without access to legal protection, the liability is also borne by oneself. Most of the drivers are daily wage earners. Once an accident occurs, the financial impact extends to the family's education, health, nutrition and family security.
'In such a situation, not only the rickshaw driver, but the whole family is in danger,' says the academic officer. Taking into account the state of education of the drivers, the Kosi state government has revised the Traffic Regulations 2082, said Internal Affairs and Law Minister Revathiraman Bhandari.
According to Minister Bhandari, it is no longer mandatory for e-rickshaw drivers to take a written test to obtain a license. The license will be available after 30-60 minutes of practical training. 'We have revised the policy by understanding the problem of poorly educated drivers', Minister Bhandari said, 'Now you can get a license based on practical knowledge.'
