Auto-cracy
Ever noticed that a lot of auto drivers on campus simply refuse to go out of the main gate? Tarun looks at the reasons for this
It is well known that it is illegal for licensed auto-rickshaw drivers to refuse a fare. But how many times have you walked till Main Gate to go to Galleria, and been refused by four autos on the way? In a sense, we are at the mercy of the auto drivers, as is sadly the case with most services in the country. Here is an attempt at delving deeper into the problem at hand and pondering over a long term solution.
It isn't just one or two rogue drivers creating the menace. There is a union of sorts - of more than two dozen autos plying on campus. They have collectively pledged not to trespass into the unknown lands outside the Main Gate. And, as time stands witness, it makes perfect economic sense - for them. On an average, the Security Office reports that one auto-rickshaw earns Rs. 250 daily just by offering rides on campus. Given that more than 25 of them have been at work for over 5 months now, it is no wonder the autos are in absolute mint condition. On paper, though, this is entirely illegal.
The Institute recognizes the gravity of the situation and has prepared a list of the same - 25 names have been identified and the process isn't complete. Another important point to note is that the primary reason for their ‘success’ is the overworked Tum-Tum service. Autos simply outnumber Tum-Tums. Students, being impatient, naturally prefer the autos to the Tum-Tums, even though it costs more. Quantifying, a direct auto from Hostel 8 to Galleria costs Rs. 13. In most cases, students end up paying Rs. 10 till the Main Gate and another ten till Galleria from there. A Tum-Tum ticket combined with an auto ride costs Rs. 13 again. Somehow, students value 10 minutes much more than seven rupees.
As is usually the case, the Institute cannot take the first step by charging the violators a fine. The Institute has received 3 complaints in the last month and all were aptly handed over to the police. It was already established that they do have licenses to ply within the prescribed limits of the city. Hence it appears that there is no permanent solution other than increasing the efficiency of the Tum-Tums. Even if the rogue autos are forced outside, there is nothing stopping them from queuing outside Main Gate, which renders the solution redundant. In the name of law and in hope for a long term solution to the menace, we urge students to register complaints against such auto-rickshaw drivers. There are two methods for the same. One, note the license plate number of the vehicle and report it to the Security Office. Two, report the same directly to the Powai Police Station.
(Tarun Mathur is a fourth year student of the Mechanical Engineering Department. He can be contacted at mathur.tarun@iitb.ac.in)