Indiscriminate issue of permits leading to unhealthy competition, claim drivers; union urges government to remember and implement its special package promise
Auto rickshaw drivers have welcomed the state government’s decision to ban electric bike taxi services which they considered as a threat to their livelihood. However, there is a list of concerns that they plan to raise with the government, which includes indiscriminate issuing of permits for new auto rickshaws. Many auto drivers said that it has become tough for them to earn money due to unhealthy competition. They demand that the government take measures to scrap old auto rickshaws by providing a loan facility for the owners to buy new vehicles.
“We appreciate the state government for banning electric bike taxi services in the state. The state government had issued licences to operate electric bike taxis without taking auto rickshaw drivers into confidence. It affected many auto rickshaw drivers,’’ said Adarsha Auto and Cab Drivers’ Association general secretary C Sampath.
It may be recalled that the then Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah demanded that the state government announce a special package for unorganised sector workers including auto rickshaw drivers in April 2020. Criticising the Chief Minister for not honouring his commitment of announcing the special package, CN Srinivas of Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union, affiliated to CITU, said the need of the hour is to have a welfare board for auto rickshaw drivers.
“We are planning to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah shortly to appeal and convince him about the importance of establishing a welfare board for auto rickshaw drivers. We will also explain to the Chief Minister how permits being issued for new auto rickshaws are affecting all drivers. There are many auto rickshaws operating in the city without valid permits,’’ said Srinivas.
He said the establishment of a welfare board would be a great help. “Auto rickshaw drivers or owners of autos can avail of loans for repair or replacing the old auto rickshaws,’’ he said.
Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union general secretary Rudramurthy blamed greedy auto rickshaw drivers for the popularity of electric bike taxi services in the city. “The ban order issued by the transport department is not clear and is confusing. Some people who own white board electric bike taxis are still operating in the city. It is leading to law and order problems,’’ said Rudramurthy.
He also criticised some auto rickshaw drivers exploiting hapless passengers by demanding more money. “I have been advising many drivers not to demand extra fare from the passengers.
Such auto rickshaw drivers have to change their attitude towards passengers,’’ he said.
