Drivers Protest Against Exploitation, Threaten Indefinite Strike
Key Points:
- Auto drivers demand traffic regulation and fair treatment
- Multiple parking tax collections and harassment reported
- Union warns of protests if demands are not met within 3 days
MEDININAGAR – The Jharkhand State Auto Drivers’ Union submitted a memorandum to Palamu DC Shashi Ranjan on Monday, highlighting issues faced by auto and e-rickshaw drivers in Medininagar.
Led by convenor Rakesh Kumar Singh and district president Ramakant Dubey, the delegation informed the DC about traffic mismanagement, exploitation, and frequent harassment of drivers. The union cited unresolved decisions from a meeting chaired by the municipal commissioner on September 4.
The memorandum pointed out that despite assurances, the administration has failed to implement key decisions, leading to economic exploitation. The growing population and the centrally located bus stand have caused severe traffic congestion on main roads, often blamed on auto and e-rickshaw drivers.
Additionally, the union alleged that the municipal corporation collects parking tax multiple times daily from the same vehicle. This is contrary to the prior agreement allowing only one collection per day. Parking tax collectors have reportedly resorted to abuse and physical altercations with drivers who resist.
The union also highlighted discriminatory practices, where specific autos operating from the railway station are permitted to ply on all routes and pick up passengers freely. Leaders warned that this disparity will not be tolerated.
If the administration does not act on their demands within three days, the union will initiate protests. A torch march is planned from GLA College to Chhath Muhana on December 11 at 4 PM, followed by an indefinite sit-in protest outside the DC office from December 12. The union declared that the administration will be solely responsible for any escalation.
The delegation included Santosh Shukla, Vivek Singh, Anuj Mishra, Prem Tiwari, Santosh Vishwakarma, Manoj Dubey, Chhotan Dubey, Pankaj Kumar, Raju Kumar, and Yaseen Ansari, also known as Golden.
