Bengaluru Autorickshaw Unions Call for Government Aid as LPG Crisis Deepens
In Bengaluru, autorickshaw unions have made an urgent appeal to both the central and state governments for financial assistance to support drivers grappling with a severe shortage of auto LPG and escalating fuel prices. The unions have declared a protest at Freedom Park on April 9, demanding immediate action to secure adequate LPG supplies and alleviate the mounting crisis.
Drivers Face Prolonged Wait Times and Soaring Costs
CN Sreenivas, president of the Autorickshaw Drivers' Union, highlighted the dire impact on livelihoods, stating that auto drivers are now forced to wait four to five hours daily just to refill their vehicles. He noted that over 80% of private fuel stations have ceased operations, while the remaining outlets are charging exorbitant rates. Drivers are reportedly paying between Rs 120 and Rs 125 per litre at these private locations, a sharp increase attributed to the conflict in West Asia, which has driven LPG prices up by Rs 60 to Rs 65.
The unions are demanding interim financial aid of Rs 15,000 per month for each autorickshaw driver until the supply situation normalizes, emphasizing that the current conditions are causing significant income losses for those reliant on daily earnings.
RTC Employees Announce Protest March for Salary Revisions
In a related development, the Association of Unions of Karnataka Road Transport Corporations has announced a protest march from Chitradurga to Bengaluru, pressing the state government to address long-standing grievances. The padayatra is scheduled to commence on April 8 from Chitradurga and conclude at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on April 21.
The association has issued a warning that if their demands are not met, they will begin an indefinite fast starting April 21. Their key demands include:
- Release of 38 months of pending salaries for road transport corporation staff.
- Implementation of a salary revision aligned with the 7th Central Pay Commission's recommendations, on par with government employees.
- Application of the revised pay scales retroactively from January 1, 2024.
This dual protest movement underscores growing unrest among transport workers in Karnataka, as both autorickshaw drivers and RTC employees seek urgent government intervention to address financial hardships and operational challenges.
