Autorickshaws in Ahmedabad to go off road on Tuesday

Autorickshaw unions in Ahmedabad have decided to go on a day-long strike on Tuesday

Ahmedabad has nearly 2.20 lakh autorickshaw drivers | TV grab Ahmedabad has nearly 2.20 lakh autorickshaw drivers | TV grab

Autorickshaw unions in Ahmedabad have decided to go on a day-long strike on Tuesday in protest against the Gujarat government's “failure” to give them relief during COVID-19 on the lines of Delhi and Telangana governments. The autorickshaw drivers and owners, however, said they will provide emergency services.

The bandh call, given by about nine unions, has been supported by the Gujarat Congress.

Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi told THE WEEK that the autorickshaw unions had made a representation to the state government. He also alleged that Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel had turned down the unions’ demands.

The autorickshaw drivers demanded that they be given Rs 5,000 per month for three months as a relief as their business had suffered during lockdown.

Ahmedabad has nearly 2.20 lakh autorickshaw drivers.

The unions have threatened to hold a mega public rally at the GMDC Ground in Ahmedabad on July 10 if the government fails to meet their demand.

Their other demands include a waiver on municipal tax bill, electricity bill and school fees for their students.

They alleged that the scheme of assistance of Rs 1 lakh announced by the state government is merely on papers.

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