Auto rickshaw drivers withdraw strike, but remain defiant

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Updated

Mangaluru, Jan 30: In defiance of the deputy commissioner's orders to auto drivers to charge Rs 20 as minimum fare, the auto drivers gathered at the railway station here and declared that they would not comply with the order and continue to charge Rs 25 as before.

Soon after the meeting with DC A B Ibrahim and the RTA, the auto drivers approached district incharge minister Ramanath Rai and urged him to let them continue with the old fares. It is learnt that Rai assured them that their concerns would be looked into and a meeting would be held on Monday February 2.

Following assurances from the district incharge minister, the auto drivers withdrew their strike and decided to resume normal services with immediate effect.

However, they refused to abide by the DC's orders. Auto Rickshaw Chalakara Horata Samiti leader Vishnumurthy Bhat addressed the auto drivers at the railway station and told them to charge Rs 25 as minimum fare from passengers.

"Let the traffic police fine you, but you continue to charge Rs 25. You collect the penalty slips and we will compensate for your loss later," he told the drivers.

Though many auto drivers and their organizations expressed their support, there were some who opposed the move.

Vishnumurthy also said that a petition has been filed in the Karnataka high court against the DC's order on revised fares that was issued on January 7. "The high court has sent a notice to the DC seeking clarification on his order," he said.

Earlier Report

Mangaluru: DC orders auto drivers to follow revised fares, violators to face action

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Jan 30: Deputy commissioner and chairman of RTA, A B Ibrahim stood firm on his decision about auto rickshaw fare and asked the auto drivers to collect Rs 20 minimum fare and Rs 13 per kilometre thereafter. He also said that the auto fare has been revised considering the concerns of the public.

He was addressing in a special meeting organized in the wake of the strike by auto rickshaw drivers in the city. The meeting was held at DC office here on Friday January 30.

"Though the LPG price has come down by 41 percent and price of petrol by 19 percent, the auto fare was reduced only by 7 percent. There will be three month time for meters recalibration to be done by the auto drivers. Until then, auto drivers have to collect Rs 5 less from the total fare with the commuters (till they upgrade the metres). If the order is violated, law will take its own course," he said.

SP, Dr Sharanappa said, "The fares have been revised impartially with full knowledge and experience."

Speaking to media, A B Ibrahim said the new fare has been scientifically fixed. "RTA also tried to convince the protesters with statistics, but they were not convinced. If the they continue the protest, their permit will be cancelled. Those auto drivers who are willing to work will be provided protection. Even autos from rural area will be asked to come to the city to ply."

Auto drivers argued that though price for crude oil has decreased, petrol prices have not come down, and that auto fares had not been reduced in other cities.

Public also complained about a few auto drivers who refuse to carry passengers in some instances. The DC said that he would consider helpline for such problems after meeting with the RTO.

RTO Afzal Khan was present on this occasion.