How will you address the issue of tampered meters?

After the city was practically brought to its knees by erring auto drivers, MiD DAY wants answers from those in power

How will you address the issue of tampered meters?

After the city was practically brought to its knees by erring auto drivers, MiD DAY wants answers from those in power

After autos called off their strike yesterday, MiD DAY approached senior officials and asked them how they would address the issue of tampered meters. This is what they had to say:

We have called for a meeting with the RTO officers as well as with the auto unions. In this meeting, we shall discuss how we can collectively resolve the issue amicably. Apart from this, we have decided that all new autos will have electronic meters and even the meters in the old autos will be replaced in phases. With electronic meters installed, tampering will not be possible.
ufffdGulabrao Deokar, State Transport Minister
(As told to Varun Singh)

The crackdown on tampered meters has elicited a very good response. We are in constant touch with the unions and want them to adhere to our rules.
Just as taxi drivers had to install electronic meters, we want autos to follow the same. However, unions are objecting to this proposal claiming that electronic meters can be tampered too. Hence, in the meantime, we carry out regular checks to ensure that tampering cases are as few as possible.
ufffd Ved More, State Transport Commissioner

We cannot take any action in cases of meter tampering as the sole responsibility lies in the hands of the RTO. However, we have started to take strict action against those auto drivers, who refuse to ferry passengers. The traffic police also looks into the issue of overcharging by auto drivers. However, refusal of fare is more of a cultural issue than a law and order issue, and needs to be tackled differently.
ufffd Vivek Phansalkar, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic)