Mysuru Auto Drivers Launch Major Protest March to Bengaluru for Housing and Welfare
In a significant move to highlight their plight, autorickshaw drivers in Mysuru have unanimously decided to undertake a massive padyatra from Mysuru to Bengaluru, commencing on February 26. This protest aims to pressure the government into addressing critical issues such as housing facilities and enhanced welfare measures in the upcoming State Budget.
Meeting and Demands Outlined
The decision was finalized during a pivotal meeting held on Sunday, where drivers and union leaders convened to discuss their long-standing grievances. The padyatra is set to begin at the Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple, located near the Mysuru Palace North Gate, and will culminate at the Chief Minister's residence in Bengaluru. Organizers anticipate participation from more than 500 drivers, underscoring the widespread support for the cause.
The meeting was inaugurated by AHINDA Federation president Dyavappa Nayaka, who emphasized the urgent need for governmental intervention. He highlighted the severe hardships faced by many auto drivers, who often live in extreme poverty without access to proper housing, making their daily struggles a pressing concern.
Key Demands and Proposals
Union leaders, including M V Srinivasamitra and M H Kiran, detailed several key demands during the gathering. One major request is the imposition of a temporary freeze on issuing new autorickshaw permits. This measure is proposed in response to the escalating traffic congestion and inadequate parking facilities in Mysuru, which exacerbate the drivers' working conditions.
Among the primary demands is the construction of group housing projects exclusively for drivers. Under the proposed model, beneficiaries would be permitted to reside in these houses for a period of 20 years. However, they would not have the right to sell or lease the properties during this time. After the 20-year term, ownership would revert to the government, ensuring long-term stability for the drivers.
Additionally, the drivers are seeking an annual honorarium of Rs 15,000, mirroring a welfare scheme introduced by the Andhra Pradesh government. This financial support is viewed as essential for alleviating the economic burdens faced by many in the profession.
Another critical demand is the establishment of an Unorganised Workers' Economic Development Authority dedicated specifically to drivers and vehicle mechanics. This authority would aim to provide structured support and development opportunities for these workers, who often operate in informal sectors without adequate protections.
Background and Expectations
Organizers expressed frustration that a memorandum submitted last year did not yield any tangible results, prompting this more direct form of protest. They remain hopeful that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will announce concrete welfare measures in the forthcoming budget. Such measures are expected to benefit lakhs of workers across the state, addressing not only the immediate needs of auto drivers but also setting a precedent for other unorganized labor sectors.
The padyatra represents a collective effort to bring attention to the dire circumstances faced by many autorickshaw drivers, who play a vital role in urban transportation yet often lack basic amenities and financial security. By marching to Bengaluru, they aim to ensure their voices are heard at the highest levels of government, advocating for sustainable solutions that can improve their quality of life and working conditions.
