THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CITU has stated that there is no need for a state permit for autorickshaws in the state. Citing increased risk of accidents and potential conflicts with other workers, the Kerala State Auto Taxi and Light Motor Workers Federation has urged the authorities to withdraw the order allowing auto-rickshaws to operate with a state permit. The organisation submitted a petition to the Transport Commission in this regard. In the petition, the organisation stated that it had requested permission to operate within a 30-kilometre radius from the district border, whereas the existing permit only allows travelling up to 20 kilometres from the district border.

Disregarding warnings of increased accident rates, the State Transport Authority (STA) meeting held last day decided to grant state permits to auto-rickshaws. An order in this regard was also issued. The permit was previously restricted due to safety concerns regarding long-distance services operated by autorickshaws. However, the CITU had been demanding the relaxation of permit norms. The permit system will be changed to 'Auto Rickshaw in the State'. To get permit relaxation, auto rickshaws need to be registered as Auto Rickshaw State Permit. There is also a condition that the driver must ensure the safety of the passengers.