Auto-taxi strike today against hike in CNG prices, commuters may face trouble

The strike of auto-taxi, cab and minibus drivers on Monday, demanding reduction in CNG prices and increasing fares, may cause a lot of trouble to the common people. Sarvodaya Driver Association Delhi President Kamaljeet Gill said that it has been decided to go on an indefinite strike in view of the lack of action from the government for reduction in fuel prices and revision of fares.

Delhi Auto Rickshaw Association general secretary Rajendra Soni alleged that the Delhi government is forming a committee, but we need a solution to our problems. Our demand is that the government (Centre and Delhi) should provide subsidy of Rs 35 per kg on CNG prices. Protests have been expressed from different organizations at Jantar Mantar and Secretariat against the hike in CNG prices. Shyamlal Gola, general secretary of STA Operators Ekta Manch, said around 10,000 RTV buses will also remain closed in support of the demand for revision of fares and reduction in CNG prices.

Sanjay Samrat, president of Delhi Taxi, Tourist Transporters Association, said that the pending demands of taxi, app based taxi operators have not been heard by the government. Angered by this, all the organizations including the black and yellow taxi have decided to strike. In support of their demands, on April 18-19, all taxis and buses will jam the wheel. He alleged that the Delhi government was spreading confusion that talks were going on with the association. Among the major demands are the government to fix app-based taxi fares, abolish the mandatory panic button, stop taking Rs 2,500 in the name of speed governor's checking, diesel buses for All India Tourist Permit and 10 years validity for tempo travellers. .

High level committee will consider the demand: Gehlot

Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot has said that a high-level committee has been constituted to look into the problems and demands of auto-taxi drivers. This committee will consider the whole matter. Steps will be taken as per his recommendations. Till then, the auto-taxi drivers should avoid strike-like steps in view of the problems faced by Delhiites.