“The Third Wheel: A Documentary on Economic Freedom for the Urban Poor”
(27 minutes, English and Hindi)

A film by Prabodh and Centre for Public Policy Research under the banner of Liberal Youth South Asia, Directed by Saumitra Rath

About the film
Tuk-tuks or auto rickshaws are a common sight in most Asian countries.  Known as the transporter for the lower and middle class, they are an integral part of the transportation system of the country.  However, one wonders why there has been little improvement in their design or why they seem to be guilty of overcharging their customers and flouting the laws.  In India, as is the case with most professions, the auto-rickshaw is governed by a licensing system which has produced the unintended consequences, mainly being, financial mafia.  The film explores this omnipresent profession and tries to go beneath the surface to find out what is really gone.  And in doing so, it connects even those stakeholders who are usually ideologically opposed on most issues.  

In January 2010, Delhi's Environment Pollution Control Authority has recommended to the Supreme Court to remove the cap on number of licenses given to auto rickshaws for the same reasons as cited in the documentary-the emergence of the auto mafia.  

View the film
Catch a short version of the film at, http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=firstwheel2009#p/u/0/TVWjuH8p1_Q
Order your copy from This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (Rs 100)

What can you do?
Organise screenings for key stakeholders in the transport debate (commuters, auto rickshaws unions and drivers, government officials, civil society, MPs and MLAs, media). The film is available in Hindi and English.
Write about this issue in media as it is something faced in all cities in India
Talk to auto rickshaw drivers and learn more about why they overcharge or say no to commuters etc.

 Prashant Narang 

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