Mangaluru: The permit of auto rickshaws, that is issued for Rs 500, is sold at a whopping sum of Rs 1.75 lakh in black market in coastal city, alleged members of various auto rickshaw drivers associations at a meeting convened by deputy commissioner AB Ibrahim here on Saturday Nov 22.

Members of dakshina kannada district auto rickshaw drivers association, Mangalore taluk auto rickshaw drivers association and dakshina kannada auto rickshaw drivers federation complained that auto rickshaw permits issued under various government schemes are being misused through sale. They alleged that auto rickshaw permits issued under various schemes that are implemented for the welfare of SC/ST, minorities and other weaker sections are sold in black market for huge amount.

“Auto rickshaw permits are being sold in black market for huge amount. Though the permit cost about Rs 500, it fetches about Rs 1.75 lakh in black market. The district administration should check such irregularities by introducing restrictions. Let permits be issued to those unemployed youth, who are interested to drive auto rickshaw and make it a livelihood,” said District Auto Rickshaw Drivers Association treasurer VN Prakash.