Autorickshaw Driver Owners Stage Protest Outside Pune RTO, Demand Welfare Corporation and Stricter Regulations
Pune, 25th October 2023: In a demonstration of unity, rickshaw taxi driver owners gathered in front of the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) today to voice their grievances and demand better working conditions. Led by various unions, including the Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat, Auto Taxi Bus Transport Federation, Auto Rickshaw Drivers-Owners Joint Action Committee Maharashtra State, Pune Rickshaw Federation, Auto Janata Garage Forum, the protest highlighted several pressing concerns.
The protesters called for the establishment of a welfare corporation for rickshaw puller owners, an end to free rickshaw licensing, and the enforcement of permits for electric rickshaws. The demonstration also addressed what they claim to be financial exploitation by cab taxi companies like Ola and Uber, urging strict actions against such practices.
Baba Kamble, labour union leader, led the movement, emphasizing the need for a local government-sponsored mobile app to counterbalance the influence of capitalistic companies like Ola and Uber. Additionally, the protesters demanded an increase in the rates of four-wheelers operating in Ola and Uber.
Various leaders, including Anand Tambe, President of Pune Rickshaw Federation, Prakash Zade, President of Tempo Transport Association, and Bablu Atish Khan, Action Committee Leader, were present at the protest. Shila Gaikwad, a female rickshaw driver, also joined the demonstration, highlighting the diversity of voices in the movement.
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During the demonstration, the leaders presented their demands to Sanjay Bhor, the Regional Transport Officer, urging attention to issues such as licensing, regulations for electric rickshaws, and protection against financial exploitation by ride-hailing companies.
Baba Kamble emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest, acknowledging the importance of Dussehra and Diwali but stressing the need to raise their concerns during these festivals.
The demonstration also condemned the activities of certain organizations that, under the guise of a strike, engaged in fraudulent practices, hijacking cars, making bogus bookings, and mistreating auto taxi drivers operating under Ola and Uber.
Anand Tambe, reflecting on a recent visit to Delhi, expressed concerns about the traffic congestion caused by various types of rickshaws in the city. He emphasized the need for a strategic approach to prevent a similar situation in Pune, particularly concerning electric rickshaws.
The protest aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by rickshaw taxi driver owners and prompt necessary actions to safeguard their interests and well-being.
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