BRS opposes approval of Green SM cabs, cites threat to livelihoods

The state government has granted permission to the Vietnamese company Green SM to commence operations, a move strongly opposed by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). BRS General Secretary and former IPS officer R.S. Pravin Kumar alleged that this decision will put the livelihoods of approximately 6 lakh auto and cab drivers in the state at risk.

During a press conference held on Thursday, Pravin Kumar stated that granting permission to Green SM to start operations was a hasty decision, as it is directly linked to the lives of drivers. According to a report by The Hindu, he clarified that the BRS was also opposed to the influx of foreign investments and the facility of free RTC bus travel for women.

He further added that even when the BRS government was in power previously, foreign investments were invited, but at that time, the influx of foreign capital had not caused any loss or harm to any section. Pravin Kumar pointed out that Green SM's cabs are already operational in Hyderabad, where drivers working on platforms like Rapido, Uber, Ola, and others are complaining about receiving inadequate rides.

In the past, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar had provided rate cards to auto drivers, but no such facility was provided to cab drivers. Green SM company claims that it will provide rides at a rate of only ₹8 per kilometre. Expressing anger over this matter, Pravin Kumar said that these offers being provided by Green SM are merely a tactic to deceive passengers in the coming days.

Thus, the state government's decision is being viewed by the BRS as a disregard for the interests of those connected to the local transport business, and fears have been expressed that the entry of this company will create an imbalance in the market.