Bengaluru: Auto drivers have strongly opposed the State government’s proposal of moving two-stroke autos to rags after persistent complaints of the same causing pollution and health problems.
Countering the argument of the government, the Akhila Karnataka Auto Chalakara Kshemabhivrudhi Janti Kriya Samiti has questioned the government if it is only the autos that cause pollution in Bangalore.
“If they ask us to throw autos into the corner, what should we do for livelihood and how do we sustain our family? Do they know the price of autos at present? With additional GST auto drivers are frightened with the price of autos. Then if they tell us to throw the autos what we have already, where is the logic?” one of the auto drivers asked.
With 28% GST, the rate of auto has shot up. Moreover, 90% of auto drivers purchased autos by taking debts from private lenders. So, purchasing new auto is not an easy deal for the drivers.
The auto drivers had demanded to increase the government subsidy to purchase new autos, from Rs.30,000 to Rs. 50,000, but the finance department has rejected the proposal. Bajaj Company has come forward to start scrap centres for two-stroke autos. The transport department has aimed to add 10,000 autos to rags by March. The process would start within a week.
According to the sources, auto drivers should give a certificate on adding the auto to scrap and documents on purchasing a new auto to get the subsidy. There are more than 20,000 two-stroke autos in the city. This move would be a big blow on families dependent on such autos.
Meanwhile, auto drivers’ organizations allege that meter mafia is behind the decision of the government to pressurize them to transform from two-stroke autos to four-stroke autos. Minimum, 20,000 meters will be sold in the process.
