Bengaluru, Apr 22 (PTI) The BTA said on Wednesday that it had submitted a formal representation to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, seeking urgent clarity and intervention regarding the future of bike taxi operations in the state.
The representation comes in the backdrop of recent media reports suggesting that the state government may consider filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) against the Karnataka High Court order permitting bike taxi operations.
The association said this has created fresh uncertainty among riders.
The Bike Taxi Welfare Association, representing bike taxi riders across Karnataka, said in a statement that such a move appears inconsistent with earlier assurances of a policy-led resolution.
According to the statement, the issue has previously seen engagement at the highest levels, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi writing to the CM, highlighting that lakhs of drivers had been without work for months and urging a timely resolution.
In response, the CM, through an official communication to Rahul Gandhi’s office, reportedly confirmed that the government had initiated steps to develop a comprehensive and legally sound policy framework aligned with High Court directions and public interest.
The association said these assurances had provided hope to thousands of riders seeking a stable and dignified livelihood in the sector.
The BTA emphasised that a majority of bike taxi riders are local Kannadiga youth from modest socio-economic backgrounds, who rely on bike taxi services as their primary source of income in an increasingly competitive job market.
The association has urged the government to prioritise a policy-based resolution over prolonged litigation, calling for the expedited rollout of a framework that is balanced and inclusive, legally robust, aligned with public safety and regulatory compliance, and supportive of livelihoods and last-mile connectivity.
The association reiterated its confidence in the CM’s leadership and expressed hope that a clear, consistent, and forward-looking decision will be taken at the earliest. PTI AMP SSK
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