In Hyderabad, private cab drivers hired by the Transport department for the Lok Sabha elections are not receiving payments at the fixed rate set by Election authorities. More than 30,000 drivers who worked during the elections are demanding to be paid directly.
After completing their election duties, cab drivers are receiving payments through agents who are deducting Rs 200 to Rs 400 as commission. This is not in line with the uniform rates set by the Election Commission.
Drivers whose vehicles were used for the elections are being charged Rs 200-300 daily by middlemen. Despite the fixed hire charges and ‘batta’ charges outlined in a government order, drivers are only receiving around Rs 1,700 after paying commissions.
Many drivers have faced similar deductions, with agents pocketing large sums of money from each driver. The drivers insist they were hired directly by the Transport department and not through middlemen.
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) has raised concerns about these deductions and has requested the Chief Electoral Officer to investigate. They want payments to be made directly to drivers’ accounts without any intermediary involvement.
The TGPWU also urged officials to ensure that payments are only made to commercial taxis, as some non-commercial vehicles are also claiming charges for election duties. They have requested support from various authorities to address this issue and ensure fair payment to all drivers involved.
