What is the issue?
- The incentives provided by cab operators to their drivers are being taken back as they are getting hold of the market.
- Drivers protested and sought government intervention, after being jobless with unviable cab driver option.
- Union Transport Minister has said that driverless cars will not be allowed in India in order to save jobs and secure these drivers.
- However, many claim that driverless cars are actually an opportunity for India and that they generate high paying jobs.
How is that an opportunity?
- Today, no global automaker is confident that Indian roads can have driverless cars.
- But the government should encourage Indian innovation in these autonomous vehicles.
- This will provide scope for
- Massive investments by companies in designing vehicles, building sensors and other equipments.
- Training the cars to drive on Indian roads.
- Making advances in technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and other such emerging areas.
- All these are only job generating opportunities than otherwise.
What should the government do?
- Doing business should be made easy for the automakers, encouraging them to invest and innovate thereby generating job opportunities.
- Planners and policy makers should design better road signs, and help build suitable road infrastructure.
- Government should invest in an independent regulator, frame laws to govern them and ensure fair play.
- It should also need to work on improving education to the masses to tap these opportunities.
Source: Business Standard
