KOZHIKODE: A move by the city police to implement the uniform rule for city’s auto drivers has raised a mixed response from auto-drivers. While a majority of the young auto-drivers have given a thumbs up to this decision, some older ones are apprehensive about the new move. At auto stands in the city, this new order by the city commissioner has become the hot topic of debate. “Apart from the pants and name badge, let them give us a cross belt and cap as well. We can also live like Mammooty and Suresh Gopi,” joked Rajendran N, an auto driver. Many young auto drivers are of the opinion that style does matter for auto-drivers as well.
Some older auto-drivers, who have never worn pants in their life so far are a bit apprehensive about the new move. “I have been wearing a dhothi and riding my auto for over 30 years in the city. Now I will have to get a pant, if I need to operate in the city. If officers say, we are bound to obey it,” said Narayanan another auto driver. Rajeev Puthalath, deputy transport commissioner, backs the decision of the city police. “As per the rules, wearing Khaki pants and khaki shirt was a must follow rule for auto drivers from 2000 itself. But it was not strictly implemented. We also get several complaints from passengers regarding indecent ways of dhoti-wearing and exhibitionism by auto-drivers. Moreover, it is part of a discipline and also is important from the security point of view,” Rajeev Puthalath said.
