Mangalore: Autorickshaw drivers stage protest demanding revision in fares

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Dec 3, 2012: Autorickshaw drivers of Mangalore, under the aegis of various associations, staged a demonstration  in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mangalore on December 3, Monday,  urging  for a hike in autorickshaw fares  in the backdrop of soaring prices of essential commodities.

Addressing the agitators, Sunil Kumar Bajal, DYFI leader said  autorickshaw drivers were leading a difficult life in this age of increasing prices of essentials including auto spare parts. He pointed out that the present auto fares were very low and urged the district administration to revise the auto fares immediately .At the same time, he pointed out that officials were harassing the drivers over the auto meter issue and warned of protest if the issue was not settled.

The agitators later submitted a memorandum to the DC seeking early fulfillment of their demands. Shekhar, leader of Mangalore City Autorickshaw Drivers Association, LT Suvarna of the District committee of Federation of Karnataka Drivers’ Union, Jayaprakash Shetty of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Autorickshaw  cell,  and Umesh Shetty of BMS affiliated Motor and General Mazdoor Sangha led the protest which was participated by several autorickshaw drivers.