Politicians have left no stone unturned to portray autorickshaw
drivers as dishonest, cheats and rude. The reality, however, is
that they are the victims of the same political games that have
played havoc with the entire public transport system of Delhi.
Let us examine the situation in the light of facts:
- Before the fare hike, auto fare in other metros
was 41%
to 72% higher than Delhi's. After the hike, fare in Delhi is
still the lowest. New fare was decided by the babus and the
politicians. No direct stakeholder such as auto driver or
passenger was involved.
- An auto's market price is Rs.3,90,000 -
equal to a top-of-the-range small car. The cost of the same vehicle in other metros
is just Rs.1,25,000.
- The government has admitted to us
in writing in response to an RTI application that it has no
policy, formula or frequency for the fare revision of autos -
even after the fare hike.
- No bank finances autorickshaws. Most auto owners and
drivers remain in the firm grip of loan sharks who advance
funds at a hefty 50-60% interest.
- After the fare hike, the waiting
charge is such that it boggles one's mind.
- Average cost of obtaining a
driving licence for an autorickshaw driver is Rs.3,000 whereas
it is just Rs.450 for you and I. It is almost impossible for
an auto driver to obtain a licence or a badge without engaging
a tout who, in turn, is hand in glove with the corrupt
officers.
- There are scores of other
problems which the politicians do not want to address.
The result is that in spite of cheating you, most auto
drivers live in slums or resettlement colonies. Their children
are forced into child labour. Thousands of auto drivers are
forced to depend upon rented autorickshaws for their livelihood
in spite of having spent 30 years or more in the trade.
Since politicians control the rates of auto fare, they keep
it so low that auto drivers are forced to cheat. So, more the
politicians flog this soft target, more the voters will love
politicians. Come elections, and auto drivers are butchered at
the altar of vote bank politics.
Why autorickshaws, look at the state of buses and taxis!
Would any man of dignity care to travel in them? Politics driven
policy decisions of the government are solely responsible for
this distressful state of affairs in the capital city of India.
It is time that we all saw through the corrupt minds of
politicians, and worked together to defeat their evil designs.
Autorickshaw drivers are humans like you and us, and they want
to give you the respect you deserve as a customer. Nearly 50
auto drivers did try to act honest in December 2006 for two
weeks. In consequence, most of them were forced to borrow money
to run their households. All that the auto drivers cry for is
your help by giving them your understanding, and by letting them
gain enough financial means to live with dignity. They only want
what is rightfully theirs so that they could serve you with a
smile and honesty. |
