Mangaluru: Auto drivers protest against policies of auto firm pertaining to EVs
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)
Mangaluru, Jan 10: Auto rickshaw owners and drivers staged protests in front of the Mini Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday, January 10, condemning the policies of Mahindra Auto company.
The protests were held under the leadership of EV Trio Rickshaw company. The anguished protesters submitted a request to the deputy commissioner requesting a solution to their problems.
The protesters demanded that the company should ensure that the auto drivers do not face problems with regard to the electric auto rickshaws. “The autos should be repaired on time and sufficient stock of spare parts should be maintained. The warranty stipulations should be properly followed and the harassment by the agencies should be prevented,” they urged.
Addressing the protesters, EV Trio Rikshaw committee president Anil Saldanha said that the EV autos which were launched not only to provide jobs to the unemployed have only increased the burden of loans on drivers but they have also not helped in raising their incomes.
“The company has provided a guarantee of three years when the autos were bought. But the vehicles are facing several issues within a year of their purchase. The autos that are going to Baikampady service center come back getting repaired only for namesake and the problems recur. It adversely impacts our day-to-day income and our loan burden also increases. Our problems should be solved. Our demands should be fulfilled. We will not stop our just and peaceful protests till then,” said Anil Saldanha.
“The subsidy being provided by the union government does not reach any auto drivers properly. The letters written about it to the concerned officials 20 days ago have proved futile. They do not have time to listen to our grievances,” said auto driver Mohan Kadyada in anguish.
Drivers and owners EV Rikshaw committee honorary president Balakrishna Shetty, vice-president Rohith Kotian Bejai, honorary advisor Avil, chief secretary Ramanatha Prabhu, secretary Santhosh Kumar, Treasurer Shailendra Kolya, leaders of the sangha, Govinda Shetty Chandrahas, Ashwin Dheeraj, Mohan Krishna, Sukhesh Nanthur, Harish Shivaprasad, Gururaj Adyar, Rashid, Sharat Padangadi Santhosh and Prakash V N led the protests.
Comment on this article
Citizen, Mangalore
Fri, Jan 12 2024Nobody is focusing on price meter. Non ev autos are charging Rs.35 , the prices were hiked due to fuel rate increase but why even Ev autos are charging same. They neither use any fuel and electricity charges are not so high . Authorities should reduce the EV meter prices.
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Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait
Thu, Jan 11 2024I was in Mangalore for two months and during my vacation time I travelled in EV Rickshaws quite a few time. These Rickshaws are so comfortable with soft cushion seat and many more options for passenger's benefit. side door is in place for the protection of kids and the suspension is far better than other Rickshaws which gives a hard blow when passing over umps or sped brakers. Concerned authorities must pay special attention to the drivers concern and need to encourage promotion of EV vehicles.🙏
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Rakshith, Kulshekar, Mangalore
Thu, Jan 11 2024What about the problems that Auto drivers give to common public? I personally never never feel sad for the Auto drivers. They are goons. (may be a small percent of auto drivers are good, a very very small percentage)
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Rudolf Rodrigues, Mumbai-Mangalore
Thu, Jan 11 2024Very good observation; most act like local goondas and behave very arrogantly with the customer while overcharging; point to be noted is the fares in such a small city are much higher than a metro like Mumbai, where the service too is pretty good👍
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Rudolf Rodrigues, Mumbai -Mangalore
Thu, Jan 11 2024These locally made EVs are, IMHO, not extensively tested for ruggedness under various types of road conditions, and these delicate autos appear to be not suitable for a tortous topography of this place! Hope the flamboyant CEO of this auto maker takes note of these driver's grievances and helps them out ASAP!! AND WHOEVER SAID THAT EVs ARE ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY; THEY ARE NOT AT THIS POINT IN TIME 😔!!
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real kujuma, kodial
Thu, Jan 11 2024most of the guys support brashta party...when they were in power they did not make any noise..now the blue j pigs are instigating them to hold protest...nothing else...dont care Lord Siddaraya...
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KS Mayya, Mangalore/Bangalore
Wed, Jan 10 2024Auto guys from Mangalore, if you are uneducated, it is your and your problem only. Buy electric autos and be genuinely interested in last mile connectivity. Day light robbery need not be the only target and it will not be. You chose to be anti-evolutionist, that is your choice. Petrol and Diesel is not here to stay forever. Continuously revolutionize the last mile connectivity, you will stay relevant forever.
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sense_shetty, Mangalore Kudla
Thu, Jan 11 2024Your comment overlooks the empathetic aspect by categorizing auto drivers as uneducated. While new technology may bring about its own challenges, it's important to acknowledge that the 'Make in India' enthusiasm is occasionally exaggerated. It's crucial to fact-check and verify the claims made by auto drivers to ensure accurate information, and if their grievances are genuine, proper compensation should be provided. This helps avoid any potential hidden motives behind their actions
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Rudolf Rodrigues, Mumbai -Mangalore
Thu, Jan 11 2024@Mayyaji; too much of hype has been created around EVs especially the locally made ones, there are a number of issues on ruggedness and battery dynamics and integrity; discussions aside; when there is such a big outburst from the local auto drivers, the media savvy CEO of this company should take immediate action if he wants to really walk his talk 😔🙏BTW; hybrid vehicles are a superior option to purely electric vehicles IMHO!!
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PRAKASH.A, Mlore
Wed, Jan 10 2024Anand Mahindra is busy on twitter and has millions of followers. hope these pictures reaches to him on twitter.
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Pradeep, Moodbidri
Thu, Jan 11 2024I have been a Mahindra customer since 2012 and have bought three vehicles from them. Their service is excellent. Last year when I visited their showroom to take delivery of my new vehicle, I saw of group of Auto drivers gathered their complaining of EV Trio battery. When I asked one of Senior Managers, he told me that some of their customers are facing issues and that is because of the faulty wiring (no proper earthing, power supply in neutral phase..etc) at their respective places. I don't know the full story but what I know from my last 11 years relationship with Mahindra / KA that they take their customer complaints seriously.
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real kujuma, kodial
Wed, Jan 10 2024Keep voting the saffron party....
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Ramesh Poojary, Mangalore
Wed, Jan 10 2024Nothing will happen. Mahindra is a strong supporter of BJP and no action will be taken. If i am not wrong even there is SUV failed the safety test.
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Jossey Saldanha, Raheja Waterfront
Wed, Jan 10 2024Mahindra Group are all Professionals ...
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