Talks between JAC and government inconclusive, autodrivers, app based unions to launch fresh agitation

Auto-rickshaw drivers want minimum fare on meters to be hiked to ₹50. File | Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL Talks between the joint action committee (JAC) of Telangana State auto and app-based unions and Minister for Labour Gaddam Vivek and Minister for Transport Ponnam Prabhakar ended inconclusively on Monday (September 07), with the drivers warning of fresh State-wide agitation if the government continued to delay action on their demands.The meeting was held at the Secretariat and was attended by JAC leaders Ravishankar Alluri (BMS), V. Maraiah (BRTU), Arla Sattireddy (TADS), G. Mukesh Goud (JAC), Srikanth (CITU), Praveen (TUCI), Majid, Saleem and Venkatesham of AITUC, Greater Auto union leaders Srinivas Mudiraj, Pandu, Sridhar Reddy and others.Minister Prabhakar reiterated that the government would discuss the welfare of auto drivers in the Assembly and amend the relevant law to facilitate the formation of a Welfare Board.JAC leaders, however, said the government had earlier assured them that a government order (GO) would be issued, and rules and procedures for constituting the Welfare Board would be formulated. But no discussions had taken place even on the rules and procedures.They also expressed disappointment that their memorandum was not accepted during the meeting, alleging that this reflected a negligent approach towards the problems faced by auto drivers.Further, the JAC raised the issue of increasing auto meter fares and demanded that the minimum fare be fixed at ₹50, with an additional ₹20 per kilometre. Mr. Prabhakar said the government would consult officials on the same, and take a decision and issue a GO.JAC leader V. Maraiah strongly opposed any unilateral decision on fares and demanded that representatives of auto drivers be consulted before taking a final decision. He also expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s statement that there were no funds to provide the ₹12,000 annual financial assistance that had earlier been assured to drivers.The leaders alleged that the government had been continuously delaying resolution of the problems faced by auto drivers. They warned that auto drivers across Telangana would be forced to launch a strike and a State-wide agitation if the government continued with the same approach.On the other hand, on the problems faced by cab drivers, the Ministers informed the representatives that discussions would soon be held with the Aggregators Committee to explore solutions to their demands.The leaders, however, expressing strong dissatisfaction maintained that the attitude of the Minister and Transport department officials had remained unchanged for the past two-and-a-half years. Published - September 07, 2026 08:21 pm IST