Peeved autorickshaw drivers to stay off the road today in Chennai

They are protesting against amendments proposed to the Motor Vehicles Act

The All Autorickshaw Unions Federation has announced that drivers affiliated to it will stay off the road on Tuesday as part of a nationwide strike.

The federation wants the State government to implement the announcement made by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.

M. Sampath, general secretary of the federation, said there were over 82,000 autorickshaws in the city and more than a lakh across the State.

“On Tuesday, more than 50% of them will not ply,” he said. The main demand is for the withdrawal of the proposed Motor Vehicles (MV) Amendment Bill.

Corporate takeover

“The corporate companies will take over transport if the Bill is passed. Fitness certificate and registration will no longer be conducted by the State transport department if the Bill is passed,” he said.

He said the protest was against increases in insurance premia. “The number of claims in the autorickshaw segment is very less, but we are shelling out a huge amount annually. The hikes in premium should end,” he said.

Another demand is introduction of GPS meters as promised by Jayalalithaa.