Citing discrimination on the basis of colours of uniforms of taxi owner-cum-drivers as well as drivers who ply taxis on a rental basis, the Mumbai taximen’s union (MTU) on Wednesday renewed their demand to allow drivers to wear the colours of their choice.
According to an earlier notification, the person behind the wheel in khaki uniform is only the driver.
In the letter, MTU states that the change was enforced despite the union’s opposition. A.L. Quadros, general secretary of the union asked, “Why this discrimination? It must be corrected as soon as possible.” He is of the view that taximen should have options and allowed to wear both the uniforms whether he is an owner or driver of the taxi.
“Before the year 2003, the taxi drivers were allowed to wear both the colours,” said Mr Quadros, adding, “Since 2003, The transport department made only the khaki dress compulsory. We have written to the transport department asking them to change the rule.”
Typically, a taxi is driven by two drivers in a day. They drive the taxi on a rental basis by paying a fixed sum to the vehicle owner.
However, there are also permit and vehicle owners who drive their own taxis. To differentiate between the two, permit and vehicle owners historically wore white. The 2007 order irked them, as it mandated the use of only khaki uniform. Several drivers can be seen wearing the old white uniform in defiance of the order. Drivers claim that the traffic police routinely penalises them.
The transport officials said that they are in the process to change this rule and will be done soon. “The owner of my car wants me to wear a white uniform. When owners don’t have a problem then why does the government?” asked Yadubansh Pandey, who has been driving a rented a taxi for the past 10 years.