Several auto, taxi unions not to support transport strike in Delhi

The government has failed to address other demands, leading to exploitation of drivers, the union said.Soni said the unions only want to meet chief minister Rekha Gupta to resolve the issues as soon as possible.The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transport Association has also distanced itself from the strike and said it will cooperate in national interest.The association believes that the country is currently facing serious challenges due to rising international oil and gas prices.

New Delhi, May 20 (PTI) A section of auto-rickshaw unions distanced itself from the proposed three-day strike in the Delhi-NCR region starting May 21, union leaders said on Wednesday. The All India Motor Transport Congress issued a strike call on Tuesday to oppose the Delhi government's decision to hike the environment compensation cess on commercial vehicles.

The Delhi Auto Rickshaw Sangh said the auto rickshaw service will be normal, as the strike pertains to transporters.

''The issues concerning goods carrier vehicles have been ongoing for the past 15 to 20 days and have no connection with auto and taxi drivers. Auto and taxi services will continue to operate normally at all railway stations, bus terminals and other locations as usual,'' Rajendra Soni, general secretary, Auto Rickshaw Sangh, said.

Soni said some unions in Delhi have announced a strike and road blockade; however, five other unions, including Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union, Auto Drivers Welfare Sangh Delhi, Pragatisheel Autorickshaw Drivers Union and National Capital Region Auto Taxi Transport Union, have distanced themselves from the proposed strike and road blockade.

''The unions have demanded that the Delhi government increase auto and taxi fares. The rise in CNG prices has burdened drivers financially. The government has failed to address other demands, leading to exploitation of drivers,'' the union said.

Soni said the unions only want to meet chief minister Rekha Gupta to resolve the issues as soon as possible.

The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transport Association has also distanced itself from the strike and said it will cooperate in ''national interest''.

''The association believes that the country is currently facing serious challenges due to rising international oil and gas prices. At such a time, it is important to cooperate in the national interest rather than inconvenience the general public,'' Sanjay Samrat, president, Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transport Association, said.