Auto-Taxi Unions frown upon Maharashtra government decision

The decision of transport minister Divakar Raote on the Hakeem committee report has earned the ire of auto-taxi unions.

"The way the minister has taken a decision is completely wrong. The department should have first discussed the issue with the stakeholders to take our opinions," said Shashank Rao from Mumbai Auto Rickshawmen's Union.

According to him, the state should first control inflation and only then will the fares of auto and taxi not increase. "Why don't they oppose or take appropriate measures to curb hike in fuel prices or vegetables," questioned Rao.

Similar was reaction from other auto-rickshaw and taxi union leaders.

The union leaders may hold a meeting next week to decide future measures to oppose the decision. There may possibly be protest rally in the coming weeks.

But Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, who had also moved the Bombay high court last year against the fare hike, has welcomed the decision by the transport minister.