The implementation of the Mahalakshmi scheme in Hyderabad has caused concern among auto-rickshaw drivers. The scheme provides free travel for women in RTC buses, leading to a decrease in passengers for auto drivers. The drivers are requesting an alternative arrangement and urging the government to address their long-standing demands.
Many women have chosen to travel for free in buses instead of taking autos, resulting in reduced income for auto drivers. The Auto drivers Joint Action Committee supports the scheme but worries that the decline in passengers will leave them without enough customers. A member of the committee, A Sathi Reddy, stated that women used to hire autos for their commutes, but with the availability of free bus travel, more women are likely to choose buses over autos.
The drivers express concerns about their livelihoods, as there has been no increase in fares for several years. They call on the newly formed government to establish a welfare board and fulfill their pending demands. Dinesh, an auto driver, explains that the business will suffer due to women choosing public transport, and the Mahalakshmi scheme may worsen their situation.
Over one lakh auto drivers in the city share these fears of a decline in passengers. M Dayanand, the General Secretary of the Telangana Auto and Motor Welfare Union, emphasizes that the long-standing demands of auto drivers must be addressed to protect their livelihoods. He mentions the lack of fare hikes in nine years, seizures of autos by traffic police, harassment from financiers, and the holding of auto permits in twin cities as additional challenges.
Dayanand criticizes the existing minimum fare of Rs 20 and Rs 11 per km rates, which were set in 2014. He believes these rates are unfair and do not reflect the current realities faced by auto drivers. He suggests that the government should address these issues rather than using high taxes on petroleum products and gas fuel to hide their inefficiencies.
