Auto union protests govt’s e-bike taxi policy, claim major stakeholders ‘not consulted’

Auto-rickshaw drivers in Maharashtra organised a statewide protest on Tuesday to protest the state government’s recent clearance of e-bike taxis and bike pooling services, while raising that the decision was made without consulting major stakeholders. The drivers staged a protest outside the Andheri Regional Transport Office (RTO). Protests were also staged at other RTOs throughout the state as part of the organised agitation.

The Mumbai Auto Rickshaw-Taximen’s Union, which led the demonstration in the city, said the introduction of e-bike taxis would severely affect the livelihoods of more than 15 lakh auto-rickshaw drivers across Maharashtra. “We had clearly opposed this policy during discussions with the government appointed committee. Despite this, the decision was implemented without consulting us. It will hit our daily earnings and force thousands of families into financial distress,” said Shashank Rao, president of the union.

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The union stated that drivers are yet to recover from the economic setback of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the rickshaw trade came to a standstill for almost six months. The majority of drivers, Rao said, are yet to have ownership of their vehicles and drive them on rent, thereby making their financial position even vulnerable. “Most drivers had taken heavy loans and were not provided any financial support by the government. This policy is like a direct threat to our livelihoods,” an autorickshaw driver who participated in the protest said.