Only driving licence holders should drive e-rickshaws

Electric buses and rickshaws introduced in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the summer capital of the Union territory, Srinagar might have brought relief to the people living within the City areas, but it needs to be ensured that who shall be allowed to drive these vehicles. Despite the day-long drive launched against the e-rickshaw drivers for violating the traffic norms as several drivers were faced with challans and also the seizure of vehicles too, one needs to understand that there should be no violation when it comes to the safety and security of the common masses. Hundreds of people from City areas and elsewhere travel in these e-rickshaws on a regular basis, but nobody understands the responsibility as the minors are being seen driving these vehicles and that too without any valid driving licenses. Such happenings are a threat to the society as already a couple of incidents have been witnessed when these lightweight vehicles overturned and also led to the death of one person travelling in it, whose body was recovered on Monday after the three days of hectic efforts by the concerned authorities. One needs to understand that driving these lightweight vehicles needs more skills, thus only those having valid licenses should be allowed to drive these vehicles. There is a need to launch a special drive in this regard and ensure that no minor is allowed to drive these vehicles and anyone involved in doing so should be dealt with strictly as per the law.