The Left Front Govt of West Bengal wants to get rid of the Image of mans inhumanity to man rather than the reality of an inhumane society with inhuman living conditions for the labouring poor. There is actually no humanity in the govt, for that would have meant working out a proper rehabilitation programme for the rickshaw pullers. Inhumanity, and vanity. Hand and cycle rickshaws are appearing in cities in Europe today. One can visualise a regulated trade in Calcutta, where the puller derives a fair and humane wage. The govt is also displaying its parochialism the pullers are predominantly Bihari. They are insecure, unorganised. Hence they are an easy target. Rickshaw pulling does not really disrupt traffic. It is a meaningful mode of transport in particular localities, for particular functions, for both passengers and freight. The ergonomics of the hand rickshaw are superior to that of the cycle rickshaw (the model used in Calcutta). The auto-rickshaw is entirely unwholesome and undesirable. Is a prime instrument of air and noise pollution. They are a menace to traffic. Unsafe, severely harmful. Part of a noxious lumpen under-life of the city. Most autos are illegal.
The Left Front Govt of West Bengal wants to get rid of the Image of mans inhumanity to man rather than the reality of an inhumane society with inhuman living conditions for the labouring poor.
There is actually no humanity in the govt, for that would have meant working out a proper rehabilitation programme for the rickshaw pullers. Inhumanity, and vanity.
Creating an image, or dispelling an image versus actually erasing inhumanity.
Banning rickshaws without successfully arranging alternatives for the pullers means actually inflicting cruelty on the pullers, in the name of creating an image of humanity.
Hand and cycle rickshaws are appearing in cities in Europe today. One can visualise a regulated trade in Calcutta, where the puller derives a fair and humane wage.
There are also other forms of inhumanity domestic servitude, working conditions in the unorganised sector, living conditions of the urban poor in slums and shanties. On none of these is the govt doing anything.
The govt is also displaying its parochialism the pullers are predominantly Bihari. They are insecure, unorganised. Hence they are an easy target. Such biases can also be seen in Howrah sta
We recently visited Toronto and found many human horses around the downtown Toronto. We thought we go around some places with this but found very expensive compared to Taxicabs.
Also I remember reading on Usatoday.com that Houston considering this kind of Pedi cabs.
When the west considering having these Pedi cabs / rickshaw, east is moving away for many reasons.
I Google around some and if you do, you may found many of these like this.
Anyone who has read City of Joy would know, under what circumstances people take up this job and how this profession earns the livelihood for their familes, without which they would be reduced to begging and their woman foks to prostitution. This is indeed a bad thing, especially when its allowed to kick or hit with a cane to push to your human horse go faster. But what alternative is Culcutta government thinking to provide as a livelihood for those poor people, when they will not be able pull their rickshaws? Migration to Cycle Rickshaws? This, in my humble opinion will be a good thing to do.
Thanks CM - It is was really very shameful to see the humans pulling the rickshaws. You have given a wonderful gift to the nation on its 58th Independence year.
Hope this is implemented in true spirit and in a few months time, we will see a city reborn sans the human horses.
I am delighted by your decision and hope every Indian citizen welcomes your decision.
Better than banning the hand pulled rickshaws, the west bengal govt should convert them to cycle rickshaws. It should be more concerned with the livelihood of the people than about its image. With many becoming environmentally conscious, it would be a shame if this ban leads to people changing to autos. The world over, people have introduced pedicabs on their streets and it has provided employment to several. In fact WB govt should market this as an environment friendly positive step and this will continue to be a source of livelihood. Hope common sense will prevail.
its a wise decision but late.. any how this act will put India in better place in global recognition.. btu alternative livehood is to be made availabe immediately to those people affected by this decision. regards venki.
