CITU Demands Auto fare revision

MANGALORE : The Federation of the Karnataka Autorickshaw Drivers Unions, affiliated to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), staged a demonstration here on Friday demanding an increase in the minimum fare in the wake of rising fuel prices.

L.T. Suvarna, general secretary of the CITU Autorickshaw Chalakara Sangha, said that the union had demanded the minimum fare for the first 1.5 km to be increased to Rs. 16 from Rs. 13. The charge for every subsequent kilometre should be increased to Rs. 11 from Rs. 9

District president of the sangha Sunil Kumar Bajal said that over 10,000 autorickshaw drivers were being squeezed between the soaring prices of essential commodities and the hike in fuel prices. Over the years, the costs of spare parts, oil and repairs had risen substantially. The additional burden, without increasing the fares,makes it very difficult for autorickshaw drivers to support their families, Mr. Bajal said.

Criticism

Vasanth Achari, district general secretary of the CITU, criticised the Union Government for increasing fuel prices at a time when the people were already reeling under the rising prices of essential commodities.

Harish Gowda, an autorickshaw driver from Bantwal, said that the increases in fuel prices had hit them hard. The poor condition of roads had only added to their problems, he said.

(Courtesy : Hindu)