Mysore/Mysuru: United Karnataka Autorickshaw Drivers and Owners Welfare Association (Samyuktha Karnataka Auto-rickshaw Chalakara mattu Malikara Kshemabhivruddhi Sangha) has urged the State Government to provide financial and other such aids to families of auto-rickshaw, taxi and other private vehicle owners and workers.

Association President M.V. Srinivasa Mithra, in a press release, has issued a statement in this regard stating that the private vehicle drivers as well as workers have been facing tough time due to the pandemic. The Association has urged the Government to renew and distribute vehicle insurance policy as well as vehicle fitness certificate free of cost till March 2023. He also demanded the Government not to charge interest on loans taken from banks and other financial institutions for the next two years.

Their other demands include free distribution of LPG cylinder and other groceries, financial aid of Rs. 15,000 for each owner as well as worker and sanctioning of Rs. 50,000 interest free loan amount to each family. The Association has also urged the Government to establish a separate welfare board for the benefit of taxi, Maxi cab, auto-rickshaw, private buses and goods vehicle drivers and workers.

“Last year, the Government had announced to provide financial aid of Rs. 5,000 to auto and cab drivers, but most of them could not get it due to some technical difficulties. The State administration needs to correct these loopholes. Even though there has been considerable increase in petrol and LPG cylinder prices as well as auto parts, from the last eight years, autorickshaw meter rates have not been increased. Hence, we urge the Government to increase autorickshaw meter rates,” Srinivasa Mithra said.