MUMBAI, Aug 3: Autorickshaw drivers all over the state will hold a day-long agitation programme on Tuesday to protest a perceived rollback of previous transport minister Chandrakant Khaire's assurances and an attempt to break their union. However, autos will not go off the roads on that day.‘‘Transport minister Divakar Raote recently stated in Aurangabad that the decisions of the former transport minister Chandrakant Khaire would not be applicable, autorickshawmen union president Sharad Rao told Express Newsline.
Some of the demands include banning of six-seater autos within municipal limits. Chief Minister Manohar Joshi and Khaire had earlier agreed to honour this assurance, said Rao.
Automen are also irked that Raote also plans to make electronic meters compulsory for autos and taxis. According to Rao, the meters, which cost over Rs 3,000, are not cost effective. Besides, a state government committee had stated that the devices should be made optional.
Other long standing demands include asocial security scheme for auto drivers to be introduced by the state government along the lines of the scheme for Mathadi workers.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
