Delhi ‘clean up’ hits small businesses

Delhi’s taxi drivers are to be given a lesson in manners in a scheme run by the Indian Tourist Board in collaboration with the Indian governmen. The Indian capital’s taxi fleet is a major presence on the streets and, unlike many European capitals, flagging on down quickly is never a problem. However, the cleanliness of the vehicles is often questionable, the standard of driving frequently hair-raising and the driver often abrupt and abrasive. The scheme aims to teach the ‘taxiwallahs’, most of whom earn very low wages, common courtesies and basic English. They are also encouraged to deal honestly with foreign customers by charging reasonable fairs rather than the common practice of claiming a ‘broken meter’ in order to overcharge visitors.

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