Mamata Banerjee announces relaxation of taxi refusal fine

KOLKATA: Bowing to the demand of taxi unions to relax the steep fine for refusing passengers, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today announced a five-stage fine structure.

At present, refusal by a taxi driver invites a fine of Rs 3,000 but henceforth it will attract Rs 100 for the first time, Rs 200 for the second time, Rs 300 for the third time, Rs 400 for the fourth time and Rs 1,000 thereafter.

Speaking at a programme here, the CM asked taxi drivers not to misbehave with passengers.

"We should remember that we don't have any right to misbehave or assault a passenger. I am not saying everybody of you are involved in this but due to the involvement of a few people the entire sector is being tainted," the chief minister said.

She also announced various welfare schemes for the workers in the unorganised transport sector.

"We will provide a health scheme of Rs 30,000 yearly. We will provide you with a pension of 1,500 after the age of 60. We will also provide your family with a one-time amount of Rs two lakh if you have an immature death," said Banerjee.