Rework contract of auto scrap dealer: CIC

New Delhi, March 19 : The Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked the Delhi government to relook at the contract of a man who has been given the monopoly to scrap old auto rickshaws.

The decision came on an application filed by Om Prakash Tiwari, who had sought to know from the Delhi government how auto rickshaws are scrapped.

Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi noted in his order that all auto rickshaws go to one scrapping unit at Suraj Mal Vihar, whose owner issues a scrapping certificate after paying money to the auto owners.

He quoted the transport department as saying that this company had the scrapping contract since 2007.

"A monopoly has been given to the contractor. There is no record of the amount the contractor is to pay the auto owners. This entire transaction is continuing based on terms and condition (of) the contractor," Gandhi said.

A land area of 1,000 sq mt has been provided to the contractor with free electricity and water supply.

"The respondent and the appellant admit that about 19,000 auto rickshaws have been scrapped since 2007. Given this state of affairs, the respondent admits ... this monopoly contract ... might get converted to a perpetual ownership.

"The commission recommends to the public authority to find some way of reconstructing this contract," he said.