Autorickshaw unions protest in Telangana, demand fare increase and support

Autorickshaw unions on Saturday staged a protest near Basheerbagh in an effort to draw attention to their long-standing demands, including an increase in meter fare.

The protest was a part of the Chalo Assembly call, which was foiled by police.

The Telangana State Auto Drivers’ Associations Joint Action Committee office bearers reiterated that the Congress government had not made good on their pre-poll promises. They also said that for several years the minimum fare had remained the same.

According to JAC office bearers B. Venkatesham and A. Sathi Reddy, despite making several representations, the current ruling dispensation had not looked into the hardship faced by auto drivers.

“Price of petrol and CNG have increased. LPG prices have increased. In fact, the State government has increased the price of bus tickets. So we do not understand why minimum auto fare has not been increased. It has remained the same — ₹20. We have been demanding that minimum fare be increased to ₹50,” Mr. Sathireddy said, adding that the unions have continuously sought an increase in per kilometre fare from ₹11 to ₹20.

The unions also demanded that better enforcement as regards autorickshaws registered in other districts plying city roads. Union leaders opined that this has given rise to unfair competition with those from within the city struggling with getting customers. They also said having autorickshaws registered, for instance, in Mahboobnagar, ferrying passengers in Hyderabad is against rules.

While a welfare board for gig workers is likely to be a reality soon, they too sought a welfare board for auto rickshaw workers, adding that their lives are tough, as they are forced to compete with public transport, as well as two-wheeler taxis.

In the meanwhile, the urged the government to extend an annual financial assistance of ₹12,000 for each autorickshaw driver.

Union leaders were picked up, and detained at the Musheerabad Police Station after which they were released.