Commercial vehicle drivers' unions in Delhi have called for a three-day strike from May 21 to 23, demanding a hike in taxi and auto fares in view of the increasing fuel prices. The leaders are demanding an immediate hike in taxi and auto fares amid rising fuel prices and alleged exploitation by app-based cab aggregators.
The All India Motor Transport Congress on Monday wrote to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, raising their demands. "Due to the continuously increasing prices of CNG, petrol and diesel, middle-class drivers are struggling to support their families. Therefore, in coordination with other organisations of Delhi, the 'Chaalak Shakti Union' has called for a Chakka Jam (strike) and appealed not to operate vehicles on May 21, 22 and 23," said Anuj Kumar Rathore, vice-president of the Chaalak Shakti Union.
The unions said taxi fares in Delhi-NCR have not been revised for nearly 15 years despite sharp increases in the prices of CNG, petrol and diesel, along with higher maintenance, insurance, permit and fitness certificate costs. "If the government does not immediately increase taxi fares and issue a notification within one or two weeks, this movement will be intensified into a large-scale protest, for which the Delhi government solely would be responsible," the union added.
The drivers of commercial vehicles also stated that "strong policies be formulated to stop the economic exploitation of taxi drivers. The union had to approach the Delhi High Court last year, which clearly directed that the problems of taxi drivers should be resolved and the taxi fare should be increased. Despite this, the Delhi government continues to make excuses and delay this matter by saying that the file has been sent to the Lieutenant Governor for approval," the letter added.
The unions also announced that a protest would be held at the Delhi Secretariat on May 23.Drivers alleged that app-based companies such as Ola, Uber and Rapido were functioning arbitrarily and pushing drivers into “economic exploitation and slavery-like conditions”.The strike announcement comes amid a fresh rise in fuel prices across the country.On Tuesday, petrol and diesel prices were increased again by around 90 paise per litre, marking the second hike in less than a week. In Delhi, petrol prices climbed from Rs 97.77 to Rs 98.64 per litre, while diesel rose from Rs 90.67 to Rs 91.58 per litre.
Traditional auto-rickshaws and green-and-yellow or yellow-top taxis participating in the strike will be off the roads for the three days and commuters are likely to be affected.Various app-based aggregators such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido are facing massive disruptions and potential surge pricing, as union drivers have been urged not to operate their vehicles. Goods vehicles and trucks operators may also participate, risking disruptions to supplies of essential goods (vegetables, milk for consumers).
Follow us
