Amidst rising prices of fuel as well as daily essentials like milk and bread, the difficulties faced by the people of Delhi are set to intensify. In fact, transporters and auto-rickshaw drivers in Delhi have issued a warning of a strike from the 21st to the 23rd, pressing for a fare hike alongside various other demands.
मंगाई की मार के खिलाफ दिल्ली में तीन दिन 21 से 23 तक हड़ताल पर रहेंगे ऑटो, टैक्सी वाले और ट्रांसपोर्टर
The anger of commercial vehicle drivers in Delhi against rising inflation and fuel prices has now erupted openly. Unions representing auto-rickshaw, taxi, and other commercial vehicle drivers in the capital have announced a three-day strike scheduled from May 21 to May 23. The unions are demanding that, in light of the continuously rising prices of CNG, petrol, and diesel, the government immediately hike taxi and auto-rickshaw fares.
The All India Motor Transport Congress has submitted its demands by writing letters to Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta. Anuj Kumar Rathore, Vice President of the ‘Chalak Shakti’ (Drivers’ Power) Union, stated that due to the relentless rise in fuel prices, it has become extremely difficult for middle-class drivers to sustain their families. Consequently, in collaboration with other organizations in Delhi, a “Chakka Jam” (complete vehicle standstill) has been called for May 21, 22, and 23, accompanied by an appeal to refrain from operating vehicles on these days.
Union Issues Warning
The union has warned that if the government fails to issue a notification regarding a hike in taxi fares within one or two weeks, the agitation will be intensified and escalated to a much larger scale. The Delhi government will be held entirely responsible for any such outcome.
The union asserts that they were compelled to approach the Delhi High Court last year to seek redressal for their grievances. The Court had issued clear directives to resolve the issues faced by taxi drivers and to implement a fare hike. Despite this, the Delhi government continues to make excuses, stalling the matter by claiming that the relevant file has been sent to the Lieutenant Governor for approval.
Allegations of Arbitrary Practices Against App-Based Cab Companies
The drivers have also leveled allegations of arbitrary conduct against app-based cab companies. They contend that while these companies are continuously raising their fares, Delhi’s taxi drivers are being subjected to economic exploitation and conditions akin to servitude. According to the union, there has been no revision in the fares of traditional city taxis in the Delhi-NCR region for the past 15 years, even though the prices of CNG, petrol, and diesel have skyrocketed manifold during this same period.
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