Bengaluru: Autorickshaw unions have urged the Centre and the state govt to provide financial support to drivers in the wake of an acute shortage of auto LPG and rising fuel prices. They have also announced a protest at Freedom Park on April 9, demanding immediate steps to ensure adequate LPG supply.CN Sreenivas, president of the Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union, said the crisis has severely impacted livelihoods. “Auto drivers are forced to wait for four to five hours every day to refill fuel. More than 80% of private bunks have shut; the remaining are charging exorbitant prices. Auto drivers are losing income due to the shortage of auto LPG and sharp rise in prices. At private outlets, drivers are being forced to pay Rs 120-125 per litre. Following the conflict in West Asia, LPG prices have increased by Rs 60-65,” he said.The unions have demanded the govts provide interim financial assistance of Rs 15,000 per month to autorickshaw drivers until the supply situation stabilises. RTC employees’ rally tomorrowThe Association of Unions of Karnataka Road Transport Corporations has announced a protest march from Chitradurga to Bengaluru, pressing the state govt to release 38 months of pending salaries and implement a long-awaited pay revision.The padayatra is set to commence on April 8 from Chitradurga and conclude at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on April 21. The association has warned that it will begin an indefinite fast from April 21 if its demands are not addressed.The unions are seeking a salary revision for road transport corporation staff on par with govt employees, in line with the 7th Central Pay Commission’s recommendations, and have urged that the revised pay scales be implemented from Jan 1, 2024.
