The Auto Drivers Unions JAC has postponed its one day auto bandh decision following talks held with the Transport Commissioner Sandeep Sultania. Earlier in the day, a delegation of the committee led by Mohd Amanullah Khan, senior auto union leader presented a memorandum to him demanding stern action against Ola and Uber Cabs which are collecting less fares than the autos illegally, due to which the very existence of the auto rickshaw business in twin cities is endangered. Further, the delegation pointed out to the Commissioner that the Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had promised auto drivers to issue Driving Licenses without 8th class pass certificate and the promise is yet to be fulfilled. They complained that the transfer of auto ownership problem was decided to be sorted out one year back but the same is still kept pending. They demanded the Commissioner to recommend the government for setting up auto driver’s welfare fund, the schemes which are already being implemented in other states.
The transport Commissioner heard the delegation patiently and assured to look into the grievances of the auto drivers at the earliest. The delegation consisted of B Venkatesham, Mirza Rafatullah Baig, V Kiran, Mohd. Habeeb Ali and V Maraiah. The JAC leaders however, in a joint press statement said that they are postponing the strike for the time being in order to give some time to the government to consider their just and reasonable issues. They warned that if their problems are not settled within a fortnight, the auto drivers would be forced to intensify their agitation. (NSS)