Autorickshaw Chalak Malak Sanghatana Sanyuckta Kruti Samiti (ACMSSKS) led by Shashank Rao had demanded welfare schemes for drivers apart from fare hike as per Hakim Committee.
The autorickshaw union called off the strike after a 'five-pointer' list of demands was discussed by the Maharashtra government at a meeting between CM Devendra Fadnavis and union leader Shashank Rao. With the state elections around the corner, the government was quick to address the issues raised by the union and nip a possible strike in the bud.
The Autorickshaw Chalak Malak Sanghatana Sanyuckta Kruti Samiti (ACMSSKS) led by Shashank Rao had demanded welfare schemes for drivers apart from fare hike as per Hakim Committee. After the meeting, the state government agreed to set up a board to look after the welfare of autorickshaw drivers within eight days under the Labour department.
This board will study the possibility of providing pension, medical facilities, Provident Fund, ESIC scheme, and welfare for old auto drivers and ways to implement it. Moreover, the union members will also be part of this committee which will suggest their views within three months. Also, the government will also look into the possibility of fare hike based on various parameters like rising in fuel cost, vehicle cost, cost of living and others before deciding revised fares.
"There is no need for an agitation after the CM's assurance. The unity of the rickshaw drivers has ensured a victory," said Shashank Rao, president, ACMSSKS.
Speaking after a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, Shashank Rao said their demands for a flying squad to crack down on illegal transport and the constitution of a welfare board for stakeholders had been accepted.
Shashank Rao said Fadnavis had also promised to positively consider the report of the committee which considered the determination of auto and rickshaw tariffs under former bureaucrat PMA Hakeem.
A senior state government official said, "There is a slim chance that the government will approve a fare hike when the Assembly elections are just months away. This is a political decision, which will be taken only after the polls."
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