The New York Times reports that the government of Calcutta intends to outlaw all human-pulled rickshaws. See: John F. Burns (October 4, 1995). "A Tradition Facing the End of the Road: Striving for a more upscale image , Calcutta's officials target rickshaws." New York Times, p. A4.
Click here to see and learn about rickshaws in India.
E-mail comment by Balaji Sampath:
The utility and goodness of the plan to do away with rickshaws depends on how it is implemented. If the rickshaw pullers are compensated by a suitable job then it may be ok. It is in general better for the society not to have a demonstration in direct view of people being treated badly - some of them pulling others in the hot sun!! But it is worse if those who pull rickshaws have no other means of livelihood just becase we want to improve the image of society!!