Pune: Autorickshaw union has called bandh on Thursday (October 1) to stress their demands of a welfare board, exemption from taxes and insurance for auto drivers. Thus, autos in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities will go on strike on Thursday. Due to one-day bandh by the union, commuters may face some difficulties travelling because the PMPML (Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited) too has not started its full fledged service.

There are about 1 lakh autorickshaws registered in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities and nearly four lakh people are dependent on them for their livelihoods.

The Rickshaw Panchayat will stage protests at the District Collector Office premises on Thursday in order to draw the attention of government towards their pending demands. Auto drivers will then go on a single day strike to mark their participation in the protest.

DEMANDS FROM GOVERNMENT

• The government should compensate Rs 14,000 per auto driver for loss amid lockdown
• The government should help pay the EMI of a loan of the autorickshaw drivers as they have suffered a huge loss in the lockdown.
• Cover the insurance validity period or give Rs 4,000 refund to auto drivers.
• Action against private finance companies forcing drivers to pay the EMIs.

Talking to Sakal Times, the Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat President Baba Kamble has clarified that there will be a 'yelling' agitation in Maharashtra on September 30.