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Journalism of Courage
Private transport operations in Bengaluru launched a strike on Monday (September 11), resulting in the closure of some schools and affecting the city’s mobility. Later in the day, the strike was called off.
Associations representing bus, auto and taxi drivers, among others, had held a meeting with state Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy previously but decided to strike after the government failed to fulfil their demands. On Monday, Reddy addressed the protestors, saying they agreed to most of the demands. He said, “The transport operators want to set up a development authority, which will be fulfilled. They want to set up the Indira canteen at the airport and I have already given the directions to the BBMP to fast-track the process…”
The protestors from 32 private transport unions held a protest march from the city’s Majestic area to the Freedom Park. Some instances of stone pelting were also reported in connection to the strike. The federation includes unions of bus, auto and taxi drivers, among others. Here are some of the demands made by them and the government’s earlier responses to them. Now, except for three, all demands have been agreed to.
1. Auto-rickshaw drivers in Karnataka have demanded a grant of Rs 10,000 every month
Government Response (GR): According to transport department data, there are 3,64,192 auto-rickshaw drivers and if they are provided Rs 10,000 every month, then the state government will require Rs 4,370 crore for doing so. After the bandh, the government has not agreed to this demand.
2. Establishment of a corporation for unorganised commercial drivers and a transport development corporation
GR: The Congress party had mentioned providing health facilities to the drivers and their family members in its manifesto for the 2023 State Assembly elections, which it won. There have been discussions with the chief minister and Karnataka congress state president to establish the corporations.
3. To launch a new cab aggregator app, like Ola and Uber, from the government’s end
GR: Several meetings have been held with the officials of e-governance and have sought a technical report.
4. To open the government’s subsidised Indira canteen near Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, to help cab drivers get food at a lower cost
GR: There are about 4,000 to 5,000 cab drivers who make rounds to the airport, and the BBMP chief commissioner has been informed to implement this suggestion.
1. The nine per cent lifetime tax imposed on vehicles worth Rs 10-15 lakh must be implemented on vehicles worth Rs 15-20 lakh
GR: The government has refused this demand, following the strike.
2. Provide a subsidy to drivers for buying new cars
GR: There are some existing schemes from the companies that help provide subsidies for buying new cars. If there is a specific suggestion, the government said it will look into it.
3. Provide student scholarships for drivers’ children
GR: The Vidya Nidhi scheme, implemented beginning November 8, 2022, provides funds for yellow board drivers’ children after they pass Class 10. Rs 4.07 crore has been transferred to 6,991 accounts as of March 30, 2023. In 2023-24, Rs 17 crore has been allotted to the scheme.
1. Withdraw the Shakthi scheme (for free bus travel for women) and also remove road tax
GR: After the bandh, the government has not agreed to this demand.
2. Reduce the entrance fee of buses in Kalasipalyam private bus stand
GR: A decision has been made to collect Rs 50 per day for the buses which enter the Kalasipalyam bus stand.
3. Reduce road tax on tourist and contract carriage buses
GR: The government said the chief minister will take a decision on the issue.
1. Banning of Rapido, a bike taxi aggregator in the state
GR: The issue has been discussed with the advocate general and will take action to revoke the stay order issued by the court.
2. Companies like Ola and Uber, which are collecting more than 5 per cent commission must be banned in Karnataka
GR: According to the interim order of the court, the cab aggregators are allowed to collect a 10 per cent commission and the matter is pending before the court.
3. Take action against Ola and Uber for charging exorbitant prices to customers
GR: The prices of these cab aggregators are dynamic, but the government has asked them to submit a report to implement a uniform price for all these vehicles.
1. Direct police to initiate action against finance companies and banks which are illegally seizing vehicles
GR: The government said that as this is a matter of finance if there are any specific suggestions, they will be looked into.
2. Take action against Zomato and Swiggy delivery executives for traffic violations
GR: More than 50 cases have been registered against Swiggy and Zomato for violating the Motor Vehicle Act.
3. Ban e-rickshaws direct registrations, done by Rapido, Ola, Uber and other online platforms
GR: The government said that those who have driving licenses for e-rickshaws can be given vehicle registrations.
Further, he said: “Other demands like withdrawal of the Shakti scheme, life tax exemption, and monthly grants cannot be fulfilled. The proceedings of the demands will be passed to the transport commissioner tomorrow.”