Speaking at a press conference, Federation of Karnataka Autorikshaw Drivers Unions (CITU) State Convener B V Raghavendra said that FKADU had demanded the Deputy Commissioner to increase the auto fare from ` 13 to ` 16 as the increased rates of petrol, diesel, gas and tyres have been severely affecting the rickshaw drivers, making their lives pathetic.
With the district administration not responding to their plea, the Federation has decided to hold a protest, he said. The Federation also demands for the renovation of auto stands, cancellation of amendment of Motor Vehicle Act 1988, formation of welfare board in favour of auto drivers among others. “The auto drivers alone pay a tax of ` 1,640 crore to the government and when it is the reality, there is no fault in us demanding for our progress,” he told and condemned the Central governments dual tendency in fixing the minimum education qualification to the auto drivers. The government must withdraw the rule of fixing minimum education qualification of VIII standard to the auto drivers and to make them eligible trainings must be provided to them by the RTO, he said.
The Federation has decide to hold a protest in a near future if their demands are not met. FKADU District President Sunil Kumar Bajal, District General Secretary L T Suvarna were present.
