Free bus scheme: Autorickshaw bandh on February 15, rally from Indira Park to Assembly

HYDERABAD: Demanding justice for the autorickshaw drivers whose livelihood was impacted by the Congress Government’s free bus scheme for women, the Telangana Auto Drivers Joint Action Committee decided to organise an autorickshaw bandh on February 15.

JAC state convenor Amanullah Khan addressing media here in Hyderguda on Sunday said that the Government must come forward to solve the problems faced by the beleaguered autorickshaw drivers. “The drivers who are unable to repay the huge loans taken to purchase autorickshaws are committing suicide. Some of them are torching their vehicles in distress,” Amanullah said.

Suggesting the Government to implement total prohibition in place of the free bus service, he said that empowerment of women could be achieved through prohibition. The JAC demanded Rs 5 lakh of financial assistance for each driver and to increase auto fares to help the autorickshaw drivers recover from lack of demand because of free bus service.

The JAC would also organise a rally from Indira Park to Assembly on February 15. He urged autorickshaw drivers to join the rally and participate in bandh. JAC leaders Mohammad Ajeemuddin, Mohammad Dastagir, Sk Mamu, and Amar Sultan also attended the conference.

Harish Rao declares BRS's support

Meanwhile, former Minister T Harish Rao consoled and assured autorickshaw drivers at Patancheru on Sunday and said that the BRS would fight for the welfare of the autorickshaw drivers. The drivers said that the decision of the Congress Government to allow women ticketless travel in TSRTC had robbed their livelihood.

“The BRS would fight for the rights of 6.5 lakh autorickshaw drivers in the State Assembly. Please don’t resort to suicides. We will demand for Rs 10,000 monthly financial assistance to help you out,” Harish Rao said.