IAMAI's appeal on bike taxi ban - Consult the industry and extend the date for submitting data

Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has urged the Karnataka government to provide them with two months' time to furnish information regarding their vehicle fleet. IAMAI comprises major digital players such as Zomato, Swiggy, Ola, Uber and Rapido.

Recently, the Karnataka High Court suspended bike taxi services in that state until mid-May. And the state government will also need to frame a policy for these services. IAMAI, after this announcement, wrote a letter to NV Prasad, State Transport Department's Secretary.

IAMAI clearly stated in the letter that bike taxis have become an important part of the urban transport system today and the government must talk to the industry before making a policy on it. He said that in big cities like Bangalore, lakhs of people use bike taxis daily. Which not only reduces traffic problems, but the livelihood of thousands of gig workers is also linked to it.

IAMAI also suggested that the government form a joint committee, which includes officials of the Transport Department, representatives of the industry and members of the gig workers or bike taxi union. In this way, a policy can be made with everyone's balanced opinion and in everyone's interest.

IAMAI has also demanded that until the new policy is implemented, the aggregator companies which are following the safety rules should be given temporary permits. So that they can continue their services and people do not face inconvenience.

IAMAI reiterated that they are fully prepared to work with the government to create a balanced, equitable and sustainable regulatory framework, which will maintain the convenience of the general public and will not harm the gig economy.

At present, the Karnataka government has not given any official response to this letter of IAMAI. But it is clear that the upcoming policy can have a big impact on the livelihood of bike taxi operators and gig workers.