Agra, Jan 25 (IANS) More than 10,000 cycle rickshaw pullers in the city of the Taj will now get free uniforms, regular medical check-ups, garage facility and insurance cover.
These are part of the new eco-initiative launched by Agra Municipal Commissioner Shyam Singh Yadav to promote environment-friendly vehicles in the city.
“The humble rickshaw pullers have been the most neglected lot though they make such an important contribution helping inner city commuters,” Yadav, who is also the national shooting coach, told IANS.
The unique initiative is being supported by an NGO, which will raise funds by selling advertising spots on the rickshaws. Under the build-and-operate sort of arrangement, the promoters will help the city municipality generate extra revenue.
The municipality, in turn, will spend that money in providing four sets of uniforms to rickshaw pullers every year, besides paying insurance premiums. Pullers who hold licences are being insured for Rs.50,000 for accidents and Rs.100,000 in case of death.
Now, rickshaw-owners will not have to pay any licence fee either. The city has around 10,000 licensed rickshaws and an equal number of unlicensed ones.
Toilet facilities are also to be made at rickshaw parking areas.
Talking to IANS, Deputy Municipal Commissioner Qasim Raza said tenders for selecting NGOs would be floated soon.
“We hope we will be able to launch the scheme before March 2008. As per our estimate, at least 20,000 rickshaw pullers will be benefited,” he said.
“It’s a market driven society and we thought to try out something that will help these pullers as well as promote a vehicle that does not add to the pollution load.”
Since hoardings and banners are not permitted around the historical buildings dotting this city and no motor vehicle can ply within 500 metres, the newly designed and comfortable rickshaws will provide an excellent advertising medium, Raza pointed out.
A few years ago, an American NGO had developed a new design of cycle rickshaws, which are light, efficient and also spacious for the passengers. These rickshaws have become very popular in the city and are now gradually replacing the old rickshaws.