Date:20/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/20/stories/2006032014610400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

A day for school auto, van drivers

Staff Reporter

First aid kits distributed to 100 drivers; uniforms to be given too

First-aid kids distributed to 100 auto rickshaw drivers
Not given due respect in banks, post offices, say drivers

Impolite attitude to customers is a common complaint

WELFARE ASSISTANCE: K. Ramadurai, district governor of Lions Club (right), gives away first aid kits to auto drivers at the function on Sunday. — Photo: K. N. Muralidharan

CHENNAI: Holy Angels School in T. Nagar, Lions Club district 324 A5 and Exnora International have come together to promote the welfare of drivers of auto rickshaws and vans that ferry students to school.

At a meeting held in the school on Sunday, first-aid kits were distributed to around 100 drivers. They will also get a set of uniform each on May 1. Parents of schoolchildren and teachers also attended the meeting. The school conducts a meeting for these drivers on the third Sunday of every month.

While some auto rickshaw drivers at the meeting pulled cycle rickshaws until recently, many others became a part of the transport bandwagon a few months ago. School authorities have helped 10 drivers open a savings account in the T. Nagar branch of Dena Bank. Drivers complained that they were not given due respect in banks, post office and hospitals.

K. Ramadurai, district governor of Lions Club, said: "Don't fleece your passengers and observe traffic rules."

He said the drivers could approach him if they wanted bank loans. "In a contest beginning from April 1 and ending on June 30, 20 auto drivers will get Rs. 500 each for good behaviour," Mr. Ramadurai promised.

Founder chairman of Exnora International, M. B. Nirmal announced contests for drivers.

The organisation would provide a telephone connection in all auto rickshaw stands for customers to easily hire an auto. School principal Pushpam was also present.