Kolkata bans hand-pulled rickshaws

Indian rickshaw-puller pulls his passengers on a road in Kolkata yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

"In the 21st century it is not right for a human being to pull another human being. It is a shame for our city and state," West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee told the state legislature ahead of the vote Monday.

The bill passed late Monday and now awaits the ceremonial signing by the state governor.

"When I go to Delhi, Mumbai or abroad, I am asked how long Kolkata will have hand-pulled rickshaws. This is inhuman. We should have done this much earlier," said Bhattacharjee.