In a move that would create more opportunities for self-employment for “divyangjan” (persons with disabilities), the Road Transport Ministry has advised the states and Union Territories to issue driving licences (DLs) for such persons to drive e-rickshaws and e-carts.
In its advisory, the Ministry has said these battery operated vehicles are compact in design and “can be customised to be driven by upper limbs only, with no operational control provided at lower limbs”.
The Ministry has said since the e-rickshaws and e-carts have got the type approval, alterations can be made to meet the specific needs of an individual as applicable in other categories of vehicles.
However, considering that certain disabilities can cause difficulties or altogether restrict the driving, the ministry has specified that persons with disabilities such as partial or full disability of one or both legs, one hand, persons with short stature and with spine disability may be considered for issuing the DLs.
As per the Ministry, this is also a step towards facilitating the equal participation of divyangjan in every sphere of life, including in economic activities.
The government has already relaxed norms for obtaining DLs for e-rickshaws and e-carts considering the less likelihood of such vehicles causing road crashes or grievous injuries. However, every such applicant needs to undergo a 10-day training course for obtaining a DL.
The Ministry has said that in case of denial of DLs to a divyangjan for these vehicles by the licensing authorities, an intimation may be sent to the respective transport commissioner for any remedial action.