Taxis go past the Reserve Bank of India building in Kolkata (Reuters)
With her transport minister in jail in the Saradha case for the last two months, Mamata Banerjee set out on Thursday to solve the problem that had been plaguing him for months before his arrest: frequent taxi strikes in Kolkata.
The West Bengal chief minister slashed the fine imposed on taxis for refusing passengers from Rs 3000 to Rs 100. The contentious Rs 3000 fine had led to at least a dozen taxi strikes and protests last year.
Speaking at a taxi and auto drivers' welfare programme, Ms Banerjee said, "The Rs 3000 fine was excessive. I am cancelling it."
The plan now is, for the first complaint of refusal, a taxi driver will be fined Rs 100, for the second refusal, Rs 200, for the third refusal, Rs 300, for the fourth and fifth refusal, Rs 500, and for further complaints, Rs 1000.
Mamata Banerjee said taxi drivers should show their humane face and not refuse passengers. She, however, was less categorical about late night refusals.
Taxi drivers and owners who had gathered at Nazrul Manch for Ms Banerjee's address welcomed her announcement. Bimal Guha, leader of a prominent taxi union, said, "We have finally been able to make them understand that the Rs 3000 fine for refusal was illegal."
Political opponents of the Mamata Banerjee government, however, claimed she had slashed the refusal fine with an eye on the upcoming civic elections in Kolkata.
There are almost 40,000 taxis in the city.
Passengers, plagued by frequent taxi refusals, are also wondering of Ms Banerjee's decision will reduce the taxi refusals or encourage taxi drivers to say no more often.