Hyderabad: Hyderabad auto drivers threaten bandh on November 30 if the Telangana government fails to resolve their 15 pending demands within a month. Mahatma Gandhi Telangana Auto Drivers Joint Action Committee (JAC) convener Mohammed Amanullah Khan announced the proposed city-wide shutdown on Thursday, October 29.
Addressing a press conference at the NSS News Centre in Hyderguda, Khan demanded immediate government action on issues affecting auto-rickshaw drivers. He warned that the drivers would intensify their agitation if the administration failed to fulfil its assurances.
Hyderabad auto drivers threaten bandh over fare revision
The JAC demanded an increase in the minimum auto fare from Rs.14 to Rs.18 per kilometre. Khan cited Bengaluru’s fare structure while pressing the Telangana government to revise existing rates.
He said the proposed fare increase formed part of the JAC’s 15 demands submitted for government consideration. The association also sought financial assistance for auto drivers and the establishment of a dedicated welfare board.
Additionally, the JAC demanded measures to protect drivers from harassment by financiers. The auto drivers’ association called for a ban on bike taxi services as part of its demands.
It also sought exemption from e-challans and continuation of accident insurance benefits for drivers. Furthermore, the JAC urged the government to address financial and welfare concerns affecting the auto-rickshaw community.
The association included these issues among the 15 demands for which it set a one-month deadline. Khan maintained that the government must act on its assurances to prevent further protests.
Auto drivers warn of indefinite strike
Hyderabad auto drivers threaten bandh action on November 30 unless the government addresses their pending demands. Khan also demanded the resignation of Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar.
He warned that auto drivers would launch an indefinite strike if the government failed to act on its assurances. The JAC announced the November 30 city-wide bandh as part of its proposed agitation over unresolved issues.
JAC leaders Diamond Salim, Mushtaq Siddiqui, Maruti Jagtap, Mujahid Hashmi and Abdul Razak attended the press conference. R. Narsingarao, Ramesh, Mohammed Akhtar, Mohammed Dastagir and Mahmood were also present.