DK autoricksaw drivers’ convention on May 26

Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada District Autorickshaw Drivers’ Convention will be held at Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall on Tuesday, under the aegis of the Karnataka Rajya Pragatipara Autorickshaw Chalakara Sangha, affiliated to the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU).

KE Mohan, secretary of DK district AICCTU, said that the district committee of the state-level organisation will be constituted during the conference. Officials from the regional transport office (RTO) and labour department are also expected to participate, during which the association will submit its demands.

In a statement, the organisation demanded the constitution of a separate welfare board for autorickshaw drivers, stating that despite contributing nearly Rs 3,500 crore annually in taxes, drivers are not receiving adequate welfare benefits from the state govt.

The association urged the govt to allot land for autorickshaw drivers to construct houses and provide a 50% subsidy on fuel. Highlighting infrastructure concerns, the body said that while the district requires nearly 350 autorickshaw stands, only around 150 are currently available. It called upon local bodies and the administration to take greater initiative in establishing well-equipped auto stands.

The organisation also demanded stricter regulation of online taxi aggregator platforms on the lines of the Kerala model. It alleged that white-board taxis are being illegally rented out, and sought a ban on the practice. The association urged the govt to control the rising prices of fuel, and reduce penalties imposed by the RTO.

During the convention, registration cards under the Karnataka State Unorganised Workers Social Security Board will be distributed to workers, while applications for new cards will be accepted.