The Joint Action Committee of transport unions has announced a one-day shutdown of auto, taxi, and cab services across Maharashtra on October 9, protesting the growing approval of two-wheeler taxis in cities with populations exceeding one lakh. Unions say the move threatens the livelihoods of nearly 20 lakh auto drivers and over 7 lakh taxi and cab operators.
The committee has outlined five key demands:
- Ban two-wheeler taxis to protect the jobs of traditional auto and taxi drivers.
- End the open permit system and bring electric rickshaws under regulated licensing.
- Appoint a rickshaw driver as chairperson of the welfare board.
- Ensure two driver representatives are included on the welfare board in every RTO.
- Stop exploitation by capital-backed platforms like Ola and Uber and ensure fair, government-regulated fares.
According to a media report, the protest is being led by the Auto Taxi Transport Federation and Maharashtra Riksha Panchayat. Federation president Dr. Baba Kamble criticized the government for introducing new employment models while sidelining previously permitted drivers, effectively rendering them jobless. He warned that leaders supporting two-wheeler taxis should be voted out in upcoming municipal and local body elections.
A recent meeting organized by the Auto Taxi Transport Federation, Maharashtra Riksha Panchayat, and the Auto Taxi Driver-Owner Associations Joint Action Committee, Maharashtra State, was attended by Joint Action Committee president Narendra Gaikwad and national Auto Taxi Transport Federation vice-president Anand Tambe.
Dr. Kamble emphasized that caste-based politics in Maharashtra is overshadowing the core issues of hardworking auto and taxi drivers. He appealed to the public to oppose leaders who support two-wheeler taxis and undermine the interests of traditional drivers in upcoming municipal, council, and panchayat elections.
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