Autorickshaw drivers will soon get a welfare board that will decide on schemes like medical insurance and pensions. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced that a joint committee comprising representatives of the State government and drivers’ unions will be formed in seven days to look into its creation.
Three-month deadline
“The board will implement various schemes for autorickshaw drivers across the State,” Mr. Fadnavis said. The committee will determine the nature of the schemes and the composition of the welfare board, he said. The committee will be given three months to submit its recommendations. The board, which will receive financial assistance from the State government, can provide pension and medical insurance for autorickshaw drivers.
Autorickshaw unions had planned to go on an indefinite strike from Tuesday. However, after the Chief Minister invited them for talks, the strike was called off late Monday night. Unions from across the State had come together under the Autorickshaw Chalak Malak Sanghatana Sanyuckta Kruti Samiti (ACMSSKS) and had listed issues which included setting up of the welfare board, a crackdown on illegal autorickshaws, fare revision, capping the number of permits issued to autorickshaws.
“Today’s announcement was a major step towards the welfare of autorickshaw drivers. The formation of the welfare board has been a long-standing demand of autorickshaw drivers in the State,” said Shashank Rao, president, ACMSSKS.
