A fraction of the auto drivers association has protested against the hike of Re1 in minimum fare.
Although auto rickshaw drivers associations have called off their proposed strike scheduled on November 24, they have failed to reach a consensus over either plans on future strike or on hike in fares.
Although the state transportation department has not officially declared any hike in auto fares, a fraction of auto drivers association has protested against the hike of Re1 in minimum fare.
Close on the heels of CNG price hike, rickshaw drivers have demanded increase in auto fare and also gave a call for a strike on November 24. However, leaders of various auto drivers associations failed to reach consensus over the strike issue. “Some people misled auto drivers about the strike, so there was a chance of failure of the proposed strike.
Therefore, we have called off the strike for now,” said Mustaq Ahmed Shaikh, convener of Ahmedabad Autorickshaw Drivers Sangarsh Morcha.
He also said that they are planning a state-wide strike a few days later.
On the other hand, a fraction of auto drivers are not in favour of strike.
“Strike is not a viable idea as auto rickshaw drivers earn their bread everyday,” said Mahendra Chavda of Ahmedabad Airport Auto Rickshaw Association.
Although the state transport department has convened a meeting with auto rickshaw drivers associations on November 22, it has not declared any hike in auto fare as of now. “We have not taken any decision with regard to auto fare hike,” said JP Gupta, transport commissioner.
However, the auto drivers claimed that the transport department had offered increase minimum fare by Rs1 taking it to Rs11 from Rs10. This fare hike is not acceptable to the auto drivers, said Jasu Barot, president of Gujarat State Auto Rickshaw Federation.
On the other hand, Chavda said that the transport commissioner has agreed to charge Rs10 as minimum rate for 1 km or 20 points in Yankee meter instead of present 1.2 km or 24 points.
“Moreover, they have also agreed to increase Re1 per running meter which will benefit the drivers,” he said.
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