Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan seeks abolition of permit fee, road tax for taxis in Mangalagiri

Mangalagiri: Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan seeking sops for the taxi owners said in a statement here on Friday that people eking out living by running taxis are in jeopardy like any other sector due to lockdown.

"There is no situation anyway to ply vehicles on a rental basis as the human life came to a standstill during the lockdown. Even after the relaxation, the livelihood opportunities became nominal. It is not fair for the Transport Department to pressurise on payment of road tax and permit fee when they are in troubles," he said.

He appealed to the State government to react to their problems as the taxi owners are worried after the State Transport Department started asking payment of taxes and charges by month-end when they are in a pathetic condition of financial loss and unable to repay even the vehicle loans.

The taxi owners brought their problems to the notice of Janasena Party explaining that their life became difficult with non-plying of vehicles for the past three months and expressed concern saying how they pay the taxes.

Pawan Kalyan said that the government must understand their concern with empathy and abolish the permit fee and road tax for the vehicles which did not ply on the roads during the lockdown period.

He also demanded 50 per cent subsidy in the taxes as possible reduction of seats. Maxi, taxi and cab owners who are part of the public transport and dependent families of the drivers must be protected financially, he said.