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.