Auto-rickshaw workers staged a protest near the APSRTC Complex on Thursday demanding withdrawal of G.O. 21, alleging that it would result in steep penalties being levied on them.
CITU Greater Visakha Committee president R.K.S.V. Kumar said that while on one hand the YSRCP government has extended a financial assistance of ₹10,000 to auto-rickshaw drivers under the ‘Vahana Mitra’ scheme, on the other hand, steep penalties would be levied. He said that the drivers had not sought financial aid of ₹10,000 a year but had instead sought cancellation of third-party insurance.
Mr. Kumar alleged that auto-rickshaw drivers were being victimised whenever accidents took place, irrespective of whether or not it was their fault. Online penalties by the Transport Department and police were financially crippling the drivers, he said, adding that once the new G.O. comes into effect from January 1, the drivers would be left with no choice but to dispose of their vehicles and live in penury.
The CITU leader demanded immediate cancellation of the G.O. failing which the auto-rickshaw unions would stage a massive agitation.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Subscription Benefits Include
Today's Paper
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Unlimited Access
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
Personalised recommendations
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Faster pages
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
Dashboard
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
Briefing
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
Support Quality Journalism.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper, crossword and print.
A letter from the Editor
Dear subscriber,
Thank you!
Your support for our journalism is invaluable. It’s a support for truth and fairness in journalism. It has helped us keep apace with events and happenings.
The Hindu has always stood for journalism that is in the public interest. At this difficult time, it becomes even more important that we have access to information that has a bearing on our health and well-being, our lives, and livelihoods. As a subscriber, you are not only a beneficiary of our work but also its enabler.
We also reiterate here the promise that our team of reporters, copy editors, fact-checkers, designers, and photographers will deliver quality journalism that stays away from vested interest and political propaganda.
Suresh Nambath
