Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur
Kundapur, Jul 21: In the 48th annual general body meeting of the Kundapur Taluk Auto Rickshaw Drivers, Suresh Kallagar, the district general secretary of CITU, declared that the creation of the Transport Workers' Welfare Board is a significant achievement resulting from CITU's persistent efforts.
Speaking at the Hancho Karmikara Bhavan in Kundapur, Kallagar highlighted the hardships faced by auto rickshaw drivers who work 12-14 hours daily to support their families, often resulting in heart attacks and other health issues. Over the past year, approximately 11,000 individuals have lost their lives in accidents.
The state government of Karnataka, recognizing the plight of auto rickshaw drivers, bus drivers, conductors, cleaners, mechanics, and workers in the automobile sector, has endorsed the Motor Vehicle Workers' Welfare Board. This endorsement is a victory for CITU's struggle, and the government should promptly implement the necessary benefits, Kallagar emphasized.
In his speech, Kallagar urged transport organizations to strengthen their presence in the district to advocate for budget allocations for the newly formed welfare board. He assured that CITU fully supports and participates in such struggles of transport workers.
The meeting was addressed by CITU leaders H Narasimha, CITU taluk coordinator Chandrashekar V, and the honorary president of the association, H Karunakar. Leaders from the Brahmavar Auto Rickshaw Association, including Sadashiva Poojary, were also present.
The annual general body meeting was presided over by the association president, Ramesh V, and the annual report was presented by the general secretary, Raju Devadiga. The association treasurer, Santosh Kallagar, also presented the financial statements, which were discussed and approved.
Resolutions passed at meeting
Identify authorized parking stands for auto rickshaws, taxis, and goods vehicles.
Establish two CNG stations each in Byndoor and Kundapur.
Revoke the Motor Vehicle Act 2019 implemented by the central government.
Rollback the new labor laws and the hike in petrol and diesel prices.
Election of New Committee:
A new committee was elected, with Ramesh V as the president, Raju Devadiga as the general secretary, and Chandrashekar V as the organizational secretary, comprising 22 members in total.
Leaders of the association, including Manjunath Shogan, welcomed the gathering, and Ravi VM proposed a vote of thanks.