Mumbai: 33 Taxi Drives of STAR Rating Felicitated in Metro

By Rons Bantwal
Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, Feb 24, 2014 : Motor Education and Training Association Private Limited (META) in association with Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) felicitated 33 taxi drivers through the STAR (Standard Training, Assessment and Reward) Programme that was launched by the PM Dr Manmohan Singh on August 15 2013. The Programme fills the gap of having skilled drivers who are well versed with the growth in the automotive industry and have an understanding of the technology used.

 

META in association with ASDC has tied up with NSDC to facilitate the development and upgrading of the skills of Indian workforce through skilled training programmes in the automotive sector. The three bodies have come together to award the taxi drivers under STAR Scheme that was launched by PM Manmohan Singh. The certificates awarded to the drivers will proclaim them as a ‘skilled driver’ that will help in a confidence boost as well as add value to his employability. These individual certified drivers will have an advantage when they apply to private or government agencies for employment.

 

Speaking on the initiative, Gopal Mani, CEO, META, said, ‘We are glad to be associated with the likes of NSDC and ASDC to bring in a new wave of Drivers who are trained and skilled helping the overall sector and making sure that the roads are safer. The certification will also open more options of employability for the drivers and provide them a great morale boost.’

 

Neeraj Gupta, managing director of Meru Cab Company Private Limited, said, ‘It’s a great opportunity for us. The drivers are our biggest strength and represent us in front of our patrons. Hence a standardized training is most beneficial for the Drivers that provide them knowledge of the growing market along with information on the latest technologies that will help them grow.’

 

The driver undergoes a thorough training wherein (s)he is briefed about the roles and responsibilities and taken through the efficient driving practices with respect to safety and fuel economy, handling  of emergencies and incidents (human/vehicle) and care and maintenance of the vehicle. The driver is also educated about the etiquettes with regards to passengers, co-workers and employers as well as informed about the latest technologies like MDT, card payment gateways and status reporting to back office.

 

META provides the fundamental need to improve and guide the present and prospective drivers and make Indian roads safer. India suffers from the highest number of road accidents in the world wherein 1.65 million Indians are grievously injured every year. India also spends 1.5 percent of its total GDP that is Rs 1,000 Billion on road accidents every year. META is the center of expertise in driving solutions for individual owners of vehicles and commercial drivers and bridges the gap to provide more responsible drivers on road.