Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices Related To Health And Well-Being In A Forest Fringe Community In Southern India

Highlights:

*  A recent research study of 322 households in 35 villages conducted between 2021 and 2022 near Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in Tamil Nadu analyzed healthcare access, socio-economic factors, and health practices to better understand the linkages between biodiversity conservation, human health and well-being.

* Respondents self-reported a mix of chronic (62%) and acute (31%) health issues, with undiagnosed fever being the most reported acute ailment (57%).

* Despite having lower levels of formal education, people living in the core zone of the reserve demonstrated greater awareness of disease risks and reported more proactive health-seeking behaviors compared to those in more urban-adjacent areas.

* Chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes were reported by 62% of respondents and were more prevalent in villages in the buer and boundary zones that are closer to urban areas.

* Education levels were a key determinant in healthcare access and perceptions, with individuals with higher education being more likely to utilize formal healthcare services and demonstrate greater awareness of health risks and illness prevention.

* Most residents (63%) preferred government healthcare for primary care, while 30% opted for private facilities for surgeries. A majority (76%) expressed satisfaction with public services, citing dignied treatment (64%) and regular visits from healthcare workers as reasons for seeking care.

* With 15% of respondents spending more than a month’s income on healthcare services, the study emphasizes the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure, including access to clean water, sanitation, and health insurance coverage for these marginalized populations.

The research study titled ‘Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to health and well-being in a forest fringe community in southern India’, published in BMC Public Health on 6th May 2025, examines the healthcare challenges faced by rural villages surrounding the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in Tamil Nadu. Led by Dr. Bindu Raghavan, the study draws on data collected through semi-structured interviews in 322 households across 35 villages to understand how healthcare access is shaped by socio-economic conditions, disease awareness, and local health practices in tribal and marginalized populations living in the core, buer, and boundary zones of the reserve. Co-authors include Alby Wilson, Shruti Namboodiri, Manigandan Selvaraj and Dr. Krithi K. Karanth from the Centre for Wildlife Studies.

This research study reveals that healthcare practices in these rural communities are inuenced by a complex interaction of environmental, social, and cultural factors. In villages located within the core zone of the MTR there is a marked reliance by people on traditional knowledge and practices for preventing and treating health conditions. Despite lower levels of formal education, these communities demonstrate a high degree of awareness of health risks, particularly regarding lifestyle-related chronic diseases. However, they were less aware of risks from zoonotic and vector-borne diseases.

In villages closer to urban areas in the buer and boundary zones, 62% of people reported chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems, largely due to low awareness of how lifestyle aects health. In these areas, healthcare providers struggle to oer eective preventive care or manage these chronic conditions.

Additionally, acute illnesses such as fevers as well as respiratory infections and gastrointestinal disorders are widespread in the studied communities. The study suggests that these illnesses may be linked to zoonotic diseases. This is based on the higher number of acute symptoms like fever reported in villages near the core reserve, where people are more likely to interact with wildlife. This highlights a correlation between human health and wildlife conservation and the need for health interventions that consider the specic risks faced by people living close to wildlife habitats.

Dr. Bindu Raghavan, lead author of the study says, ‘While our study population seemed to suer mainly from lifestyle-related chronic illnesses, the low self-reported incidences of tuberculosis, a chronic disease with high national prevalence, and sickle cell anemia, a genetic disorder with high prevalence in tribal populations of southern India, were unexpected ndings that need deeper investigation.’

A key insight is the community’s reliance on a wide range of healthcare options. The study found that 63% of respondents preferred government healthcare services for primary care, while 30% opted for private facilities for surgical procedures. Education levels were a key determinant in healthcare access, with individuals with higher education being more likely to utilize clinical healthcare services.

Meanwhile, those with lower education levels often turned to traditional healers or avoided medical care altogether. The study also identies systemic barriers that hinder healthcare access, such as inadequate infrastructure. For instance, 15% of respondents reported spending more than a month’s income on healthcare services. Furthermore, marginalized groups, particularly women and low-income households, face additional challenges in accessing healthcare, exacerbating health disparities in these communities.

Co-author Dr. Krithi K. Karanth says, ‘ Our study provides valuable insights to improving targeted health care services to people living in close proximity to wildlife and interestingly nds variability in awareness and access to health care across chronic lifestyle-related illnesses and acute infectious illnesses among dierent communities’.

Given these ndings, the authors call for integrated healthcare interventions that address the immediate health needs of rural populations. These interventions should enhance and facilitate access to clean water, sanitation, and health insurance, alongside expanding culturally appropriate health education programs tailored to the specic needs of these communities. In conclusion, the study underscores that for conservation eorts in wildlife reserves like MTR to be successful and sustainable, the well-being of local communities must be considered alongside ecological goals. Ensuring that rural populations have access to comprehensive healthcare services will not only improve their quality of life but also foster better cooperation between people and wildlife.

The Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) is an internationally recognized centre-of-excellence in the areas of wildlife research, conservation, policy, and education. Our mission is to safeguard and conserve India's rich and diverse wildlife heritage through cutting-edge research, eective conservation strategies, and community engagement. For forty years, we have been committed to advancing scientic knowledge, promoting sustainable practices, and inspiring a collective sense of stewardship to ensure the survival of India’s wildlife and their habitats for future generations. Our vision is of a society that values and protects its natural heritage, fostering a sustainable environment where wildlife thrives and human well-being is interconnected with the health of the natural world. Through our research, conservation eorts, and community empowerment, we aspire to create a future where wildlife and humans can coexist, ensuring the perpetuity of India's extraordinary natural wildlife heritage.

HPV, Head And Neck Cancer: What You Need To Know

By: Dr. Santosh Chikkareddi Consultant Surgical Oncologist HCG NMR cancer Center, Hubli

When we hear about HPV—the human papillomavirus—most of us associate it with cervical cancer, or women’s health. But there’s another side to this virus that’s quietly emerging as a serious health concern: its growing linkage to head and neck cancers, especially those involving the throat, tonsils, and the base of the tongue.

Of late, more and more doctors across India have begun identifying a pattern—otherwise healthy individuals, often younger and non-smokers, being diagnosed with cancers that were once noted primarily among older tobacco users. The common factor in these newer cases? HPV.

What Is HPV, and Why Does It Matter?

HPV is a common virus that spreads via skin-to-skin contact. While HPV is commonly assumed to be sexually transmitted, it can also spread through oral contact. The vast majority of HPV carriers are ignorant of their infection. For the most part, the body eliminates it normally, producing little harm.

However, in some people, specific HPV strains persist and trigger cellular changes that can eventually lead to cancer. One of the lesser-known, but increasingly relevant implications of persistent HPV infection is its role in the development of head and neck cancer.

Why the Rise in HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancers?

Lifestyle and cultural shifts have changed how HPV spreads. With evolving social norms and increasing exposure to oral HPV through contact, a collateral increase in related cancers has been observed.

The challenge is that people who now develop Head and Neck cancers are not smokers or heavy drinkers, lead healthy lifestyles and induce a false sense of security in their own minds, as well as the minds of healthcare providers, and initially deflect the suspicion of cancer. 

Because HPV-related malignancies are biologically distinct, they often manifest in different ways. The symptoms may be modest, such as chronic throat soreness, changes in voice, difficulty swallowing, or a lump in the neck that does not disappear. These can be confused with mild infections, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

One of the biggest barriers to awareness is the stigma associated with HPV itself. Since it’s linked to intimacy and sexual hygiene, people in many Indian households avoid conversations regarding it. The secrecy only leads to the risk.

We need to recognize that HPV is incredibly common, and being infected is nothing more damning than having to live with diabetes, or Blood Pressure. 

Breaking the stigma equates to empowering people to speak up, ask the right questions, and seek timely help.

As with most cancers, early detection of HPV-related head and neck cancers greatly improves outcomes. 

These cancers tend to respond well to treatment, when caught early. They’re often less aggressive than traditional tobacco-linked cancers and are more sensitive to therapies, such as radiation and chemotherapy.

But that window of opportunity is open only if the disease is identified in time. Regular oral check-ups, especially for people over 30 or those with a history of HPV exposure, are crucial. Persistent symptoms, including sore throat, voice change, or difficulty swallowing should never be ignored—especially if they last for more than two weeks.

The Role of Prevention: Can We Reduce Risk?

 Yes, we can. While avoiding all HPV infections may not be feasible, risks can be minimised:

 • HPV vaccines: While cervical cancer prevention is available for girls; boys and young men should also be vaccinated, to protect them against dangerous strains of the virus that could cause oral and throat cancers.

 • Regular dental screenings and hygiene: Good oral hygiene and regular dental, or ENT check-ups can facilitate early detection of abnormal tissue or growths.

 • Open conversations. Speaking openly with healthcare providers about risk factors, without fear or shame, can facilitate improved monitoring and early detection.

The link between HPV and head and neck cancers is no longer a theory—it’s a growing concern in India. While public awareness still lags, doctors are vouching for early detection and timely care, to achieve positive outcomes.

A persistent sore throat, voice change, or an unexplained lump in the neck may not be the innocuous symptoms they appear to be. A consultation with an ENT or head and neck specialist will be the best course of action.

HPV-related cancers are often preventable and respond well to treatment when caught in time. Vaccination, regular check-ups, and staying informed go a long way in reducing your risk.

Your health is your primary responsibility. Get checked, and remember that early action saves lives.

Godrej Refrigerators Lean On AI And Design To Elevate Consumer Experience

~Launches AI-powered side-by-side refrigerators with eye-catching aesthetics

~Targets 25%-30% growth in refrigerators during this summer season

Home appliances are no longer just about functionality; they are now an extension of style and smart living. Consumer preferences are also shifting towards more premium products, with higher capacities, that offer technology-driven features for added convenience. Aligning with this, the Appliances business of Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group has launched AI-powered Eon Velvet Side-by-Side Refrigerators that offers a seamless blend of aesthetics and technology.

Powered by AI, this 600L large capacity refrigerator automatically optimizes cooling and energy consumption by sensing food load and usage like door openings, ensuring food stays fresher for longer. Additionally, with intelligent modes like Eco mode for automatic temperature regulation, Holiday mode for energy conservation when you are away, and Super Freeze mode for quick cooling, the made in India refrigerator provides unparalleled convenience by adapting to the ever-changing storage needs of consumers. It also features a Smart Convertible zone with temperature ranging from -3°C to 5°C enabling it to be used as a freezer, chiller or pantry section. With advanced inverter compressor to adjust its operations intelligently for greater efficiency, durability, and silent operation, a sleek digital touch panel on the door, and much more the refrigerator is designed to offer much greater convenience to users. Available in two elegant color options—Opera Rose & Opera Black, this refrigerator truly elevates your kitchen décor and day to day living.

Anup Bhargava, Product Group Head – Refrigerators at Appliances business of Godrej Enterprises Group said, “Today’s consumers are looking for premium kitchen appliances that deliver high performance and complement their lifestyle with smarter features. Godrej’s latest AI-powered Eon Velvet side-by-side refrigerators are high on aesthetics, offer smart tech for cooling performance, come in a large capacity with flexible storage solutions to unlock true convenience and lift the décor in Indian kitchens. With our new launch, alongside a wide range of refrigerators spanning several capacities, we are targeting 25%-30% growth in refrigerators during this summer season.”

This range is currently available at starting MRP of INR 1,15,990/- across leading e-commerce platforms and offline pan-India stores. 

Coca-Cola’s Fanta Surges Ahead With 50% Market Share In Orange-Flavoured CSD Category

Coca-Cola India’s iconic flavourful beverage, Fanta, has cemented its position as the undisputed leader in the orange-flavoured carbonated soft drink (CSD) category, commanding over 50% market share. With its delicious orange taste and playful spirit, Fanta continues to connect powerfully with India's youth, blending nostalgia with a fresh, culturally relevant appeal.

Originally launched globally in 1940, Fanta has evolved into a cultural phenomenon in India, resonating especially with young adults who seek authenticity, fun, and bold self-expression. The brand has consistently been recording strong double-digit growth for the last 5 years, strengthening its presence across urban and rural markets alike. Today, Fanta is available in close to 2 million retail outlets, spanning offerings from 200ml pack @?10 to 2.25L family packs, catering to a wide range of consumption occasions.

Globally, Fanta is available in over 180 markets, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most delicious & loved beverage brands.

Vinay Nair, Vice President, Franchise Operations, Developing Markets, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said "Fanta’s momentum reflects not only strong execution across channels but also our broader strategy to drive category growth through flavour-led innovation, portfolio agility, and deeper regional relevance. The brand’s ability to blend cultural relevance with a bold, digital-forward presence has helped it connect meaningfully with young consumers. This approach strengthens our position in a critical segment and reinforces our ability to anticipate and shape consumer demand that vibe with today’s lifestyles and tomorrow’s trends.”

For decades, Fanta has been more than just a beverage — fun, playful, and bursting lip smacking delicious flavour, it has been the go-to choice for those who embrace life’s little joys without hesitation. Its unmistakable orange hue and effervescent bubbles make it a true icon of taste and fun, instantly uplifting any celebration or gathering. Nowhere is this playful spirit more evident than during Holi, India’s very own festival of colours, where Fanta’s joyful presence adds to the exuberance of the occasion being celebrated with friends. With every sip, Fanta brings an extra splash of delight, perfectly capturing the festive mood. Building on this spirit, Fanta continues to celebrate the thrill of cravings, inspiring consumers to give in to the ultimate craving.

The latest ‘Fanta Mangta’ campaign puts cravings front and center, featuring youth icon Kartik Aaryan, amplifying this further by tapping into young adults’ digital DNA. With a creator-driven approach, meme-forward, the campaign transformed a simple phrase into a cultural cue for spontaneous fun and refreshment. High view-through rates (VTRs), Engagement rates & strong creator collabs like Mac Macha, and vibrant media engagement helped strengthen Fanta’s connect with the new generation of consumers.

Today, Fanta’s rise is not just about numbers — it’s about cultural relevance, digital swagger, and staying truly in the moment. Backed by Coca-Cola’s legacy of building iconic brands, Fanta continues to lead the orange-flavoured CSD category, redefining cravings for India's young and restless.

About Coca-Cola India

Coca-Cola in India is one of the country’s leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company, in line with its vision of ‘Beverages For Life’ offers a wide portfolio of products which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy based products. In India its beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Charged by Thums Up, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices and Honest Tea. The Company also offers hydration beverages including Limca GlucoCharge, Smartwater, Kinley, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water and Kinley Club Soda. Premium products constitute Schweppes and Smartwater. In addition, it offers a Costa Coffee range of tea and coffee. The Company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.

The Company along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners has a strong network of close to 4 million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable agriculture initiatives and carbon emission reductions across its value chain.

Globally together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.cocacolacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

8th Edition Of TECHgium® Showcases Engineering Excellence And Bold Innovations

* With Record-Breaking Participation, the 8th Edition Showcases Innovative Solutions in Mobility, Sustainability, and Tech while Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration

* The winners of this year's competition were awarded prizes totaling more than INR 19 lakhs

TECHgium®, India’s largest innovation platform for engineering students, hosted by L&T Technology Services Limited (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), marked the remarkable conclusion of its eighth edition on Friday.

Celebrating groundbreaking engineering talent, this year’s event broke records with over 39,000 registrations from over 560 engineering institutes across India, a nearly six-fold growth since its inception in 2016. With new innovations in Mobility Sustainability, and Tech segments, TECHgium® has solidified its role as both a hub for innovation and a bridge between academia and industry.

Graced by the presence of Prof. Dr. T. G. Sitharam, Chairman of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), as Chief Guest, and Shri Vikas Purohit, CEO of New Business Ventures at Bennett, Coleman & Co., Ltd., as Guest of Honor, the event showcased an exhilarating blend of technical ingenuity and real-world problem-solving. Both guests emphasized the critical need to cultivate innovation for shaping the future of engineering and sustaining global competitiveness.

Since its launch, TECHgium® has focused on nurturing future-ready engineering talent through immersive exposure to cutting-edge challenges and industry collaboration. The 8th Edition’s finalists demonstrated unmatched creativity and practical impact through efficiency improvement, sustainability integration, and advanced AI-driven solutions. Finalists also earned the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and academicians to present their ideas on a prominent platform like TECHgium®. Combined, the winners took home prizes totaling more than INR 19 lakhs.

Details:

1.       Winners: Team from Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore, for their revolutionary project on a Mini-Propelled Underwater Autonomous Robot.

2.       Runner-up: Students from Fr. C. Rodrigues Institute of Technology, Navi Mumbai, for their project, WindGrid AI: Intelligent Site Selection for Efficient Wind Power Generation.

3.       Second Runner-up: Students from B V Raju Institute of Technology, Telangana, for their project on Enhanced Battery Management Using Digital Twin Technology.

4.       Special Jury Prize: Team from Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Erode, for their project on AI-powered Video Moderation.

These stellar advancements spanned applications like AI-powered energy management, autonomous inspection technology, precision healthcare solutions, blockchain-based e-waste tracking, and robotic hexapod for wind turbine screw tightening. Their work reflects a new standard of applied engineering excellence and industry relevance.

Over nine rigorous months, participants collaborated closely with LTTS’ technical and subject matter experts, undergoing ideation sessions to develop PoC, which tackle industry-specific challenges. From an initial pool of over 4,600 concepts, 36 exceptional teams advanced to the grand finale, where their prototypes were evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry leaders, academicians, and analysts.

Prof. Dr. T. G. Sitharam, Chief Guest and Chairman of AICTE, lauded LTTS’ role in nurturing the next generation of talented students, stating, “The evolution of TECHgium® has been impressive. The passion and ingenuity displayed by young engineers at this year’s TECHgium® are a testament to India’s growing leadership in technological advancements. Bridging the gap between academia and industry is vital, and platforms like these serve as the bedrock for fostering innovation that addresses real-world demands.”

Shri Vikas Purohit, Guest of Honor and CEO of New Business Ventures at Bennett, Coleman & Co., Ltd., remarked, “TECHgium® showcases the immense potential of India’s engineering talent. By pairing bright minds with insightful mentorship, initiatives like this inspire bold solutions to some of our era’s greatest challenges. LTTS has set a benchmark in cultivating a culture of excellence.”

Abhishek Sinha, Executive Director & President - Medical, Smart World & Functions, L&T Technology Services, highlighted, “At LTTS, innovation is not just a process but a purpose. Through TECHgium® which has evolved to become India’s largest ER&D focused hackathon we empower the brightest young minds to confront complex engineering challenges with creativity and precision. This year’s record-breaking participation reinforces our commitment to driving impactful industry-academia collaboration.”

Over the years, student presentations at TECHgium® have evolved from merely discussing ideas to showcasing practical products. TECHgium® now enables students to present end-to-end product designs, seamlessly integrating both software and hardware components.

About L&T Technology Services Ltd

L&T Technology Services (LTTS) is a global leader in engineering and technology services. A listed subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), we offer design, development, testing, and sustenance services across products and processes.

Purposeful. Agile. Innovation. is how we drive growth across the Mobility, Sustainability and Tech segments. Our customer base includes 69 Fortune 500 companies and 57 top ER&D companies across industrial products, medical devices, transportation, telecom & hi-tech, and process industries. Headquartered in India, we have over 24,250 employees across 23 global design centers, 30 global sales offices, and 108 innovation labs, as of March 31­, 2025.

For additional information about L&T Technology Services log on to www.LTTS.com. 

Photo Caption: The team from Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore, received the 'Winner' award from Prof. (Dr.) T. G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, and Mr. Abhishek Sinha, Executive Director & President - Medical, Smart World & Functions, L&T Technology Services.

Hypertension On The Rise In Karnataka: Nutrition Experts Call For Urgent Lifestyle Changes

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) remain a leading cause of death across India, and Karnataka is no exception. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21) reveals that the southern states have a higher prevalence of hypertension than the national average. In Karnataka, the overall prevalence of hypertension has reached 27.2%, with 28.6% among men and 26% among women. This growing trend is fuelled by multiple factors including sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, rising obesity, and high alcohol consumption.

Hypertension, often termed the "silent killer," is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.

The good news? You can take powerful steps at home – alongside your doctor’s guidance – to lower your blood pressure. Plant-based diets, centred on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, can significantly lower blood pressure levels.

Emphasizing the critical role of diet and nutrition, Dr. Zeeshan Ali, a nutrition expert with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), says, “Hypertension doesn’t have to be a permanent part of life. In many cases, it can be prevented—and even reversed—through simple, consistent lifestyle changes. Among the most effective strategies is adopting a plant-based diet.. Research consistently shows that lifestyle modifications, especially plant-based diets, can significantly lower blood pressure. When patients adopt a plant-rich diet—emphasizing local, affordable ingredients like lentils, beans, amaranth greens, drumstick leaves (moringa), ridge gourd, and fenugreek—they often experience not only a drop in blood pressure but also significant improvements in energy, sleep, and long-term health. Reducing salt and oil while using flavourful spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and curry leaves keeps meals heart-friendly without sacrificing taste.”

At the global level, hypertension affects 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women. In India, the situation is particularly alarming, with studies indicating that over 90% of adults with hypertension remain undiagnosed, untreated, or inadequately treated.

Dr. Ali highlights that Karnataka staples such as soppu saaru (greens curry), kosambari (lentil salad), and vegetable saaru can be further enhanced with potassium-rich greens and pulses to support heart health. He also advises cutting down on processed snacks, fried foods, red meats, and high-sodium pickles, while using traditional herbs and spices to maintain flavour and nutrition. Anyone making dietary changes—especially those on medication—should consult their doctor to ensure safe adjustments.

In addition to diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and routine blood pressure monitoring are essential pillars of an effective hypertension management plan.

As Karnataka faces rising rates of hypertension, it’s crucial to raise awareness about prevention and management. Focusing on early detection, healthy living, and the transformative power of food as medicine can empower individuals to safeguard their health and help reduce the burden of this life-threatening condition.

Bike Taxi Association (BTA) Hold A Peaceful Demonstration Of Unity And Purpose

In a peaceful demonstration of unity and purpose, over 100 bike taxi drivers, representing the Bike Taxi Association (BTA), convened today (17 May 2025) at the office of the Hon’ble Transport Minister in Bengaluru to submit a formal representation on framing regulatory framework for operating bike taxi services in Karnataka.

The submission underscored the urgent livelihood concerns of more than 6 lakh Kannadiga riders , with over 75% relying on bike taxi services as their primary source of income . The drivers made a respectful appeal for a fair, inclusive, and sustainable regulatory framework, one that acknowledges the critical role bike taxis play in the state's mobility ecosystem.

In their memorandum, the association emphasised that bike taxis and delivery two-wheelers operate under the same statutory framework as defined by Section 66 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 . They called on the government to issue clear guidelines for bike taxis, citing that these services support over 20 lakh commuters in Bengaluru alone, with more than 50 lakh rides facilitated monthly through mobility aggregator platforms — offering an essential, safe, affordable, and efficient mode of transportation for the public.

The BTA highlighted that more than 80% bike taxi riders including women are local kannadiga men and women, who are earning respectfully since last 6 years through Bike Taxis, and are willing to pay whatever permit fee or tax government may levy for operating bike taxis.