Ever since the lockdown was imposed in Maharashtra, vehicular movement of autorickshaws and taxis (kaali peeli) has been restricted and it continues to be the case so even in case of Lockdown 4.0, which will end on May 31. However, the decision has not been welcomed by the auto and taxi drivers, as it would further deteriorate their economic condition that has been caused due to the pandemic.
Considering the plight of auto drivers in Mumbai, the Mumbai Rickshawmen's Association has written Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and State Transport Minister, Anil Parab, requesting them to allow the vehicular movement of autorickshaws in the city.
Owing to the lockdown, auto drivers in the city have been sitting at home without any income and some are reportedly forced to look for other options to earn some money. While the government has passed a regulation, allowing the auto drivers to ply passengers in emergency situations, the drivers have complained of police officers asking them to stay indoors.
Thambi Qurian, general secretary of Mumbai Rickshawmen's Association (MRA) said that they have urged the government to revoke the blanket ban on the auto services. He added that they are not forcing anyone to come out and only drivers who are willing to provide service, should be allowed.
He also stated that in order to avail permit each auto driver needs to pay Rs 15,000, of which Rs 500 is the charge paid to avail permit, whereas the remaining Rs 14,500 is being taken by the Regional Traffic Offices (RTO) as additional permit charges, in a manner of deposit.
Earlier, RTI activist Anil Galgali also had asked CM Uddhav Thackeray to revoke the blanket ban on autos and taxis. He had argued that not all citizens, especially the elderly or those with disabilities, can board the BEST buses easily. Therefore, the autos and taxis provide for a much convenient option as they also provide a doorstep service.
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