Autorickshaw drivers in the city continued to observe strike for the second day today to protest against the installation of fare meters, which has been made mandatory by the district administration.
The drivers began the strike on Saturday following district administration’s directive ordering them to use fare meters, which the autorickshaw drivers’ community has resisted so far.
Autorickshaw drivers charge commuters arbitrarily and the charges sky-rocket during evening hours. The strike has caused a lot of trouble to commuters.
The autorickshaw drivers, which form a considerable number in the city, held demonstrations on Saturday to press for their demand. The drivers are demanding that the metered rates be revised to Rs 30 per km instead of Rs 17 per km, which has been designated by the administration.
“We are asking the government to put the rate at Rs 30. They have to consider the current petrol charges and the condition of roads. We are poor people and we want the government to save us,” Asif Ahmad, an autorickshaw driver, said.
The district administration, however, is firm on enforcement of regulations. “We have seized some autorickshaws which were without meters and proper documentation. This drive shall continue till they do not install meters,” SSP, Traffic, Maqsood Zaman, said.
The district administration had this week issued the direction making it mandatory for all autorickshaws plying in the city to use meters and charge passengers accordingly. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Lone and attended by the SSP, Traffic, and RTO, Kashmir.
“It was also decided that directions will be passed by the RTO, Kashmir, to all autorickshaw owners to install digital meters in place of analogue meter within three months. No fitness renewals shall be granted by the RTO unless the digital meters are installed,” the district administration has said.
Though commuters are a harassed lot but many have praised the administration for regulating the fare-charging mechanism. “Inconvenience, if any, is worth it. People really want these autos to charge reasonably,” Sheikh Rashid, a Srinagar resident, said.
Auto drivers continue strike, commuters a harassed lot
