Delhi autorickshaw unions warn of indefinite protest
Delhi autorickshaw unions warn of indefinite protest
The fight between the striking autowallahs and the Delhi government may take a turn for the worse.
Autorickshaw unions have warned of a fresh strike if the government continues the crackdown on their members. 
"We are fined to death. There are many loopholes in the government procedure. How can an auto driver afford to pay challans of Rs 12,000 or 15,000 for petty, everyday offences?"u00a0 said Ram Sharan Rajput, a leader of the auto union that has called for the strike.u00a0
"First, the government should put its machinery in order. New badges for drivers are yet to be issued. We waste hours running from pillar to post to get work done at the Transport Department. The department faces a severe manpower crunch and there are very few people to work. The government's plans are illogical and short-sighted. We shouldn't be blamed for the mess alone," said Sharan.u00a0
The auto unions plan to sit on a dharna on August 31 and September 1 at Jantar Mantar and meet Delhi Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely.u00a0
"If the government doesn't pay heed to our demands, the protest will continue. Next month, we will go on an indefinite strike," said Sharan, claiming Monday's strike was successful.
The auto unions claim that for years fresh permits for new autorickshaws are not being issued. "The population of Delhi has increased manifold since the cap of 55,000 autos in the city was put by the Supreme Court around 15 years. The government should approach the court for fresh permits. It will automatically decrease the problem of overcharging and misbehaviour," said Sharan.
ADVERTISEMENT
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
