By: Sikander Kushwaha
On Monday 4th January 2010, I hired a auto rickshaw to go from Wadgaon to Pune station. But the rickshaw driver refused and said that he will take me up to Swargate. When questioned, he answered that a strike had been called by Rickshaw panchayat of Pune since January 2.
During the journey I asked about the reason for the strike. He said that Rickshaw drivers have put forward various demands including that rickshaw services should get the status of public services and the rickshaw driver should be deemed a public servant. They also want the Re. 1 cut in the auto fare, which was imposed six months ago, to be withdrawn and that action against goods tempos, under section 190 (2) of the Motor Vehicle Act, should be stopped immediately.
On reaching Swargate I asked fare and he told me Rs. 99. I was surprised to learn that it costs Rs 99 for just 7-8 km. He showed me the meter and the rate card. I found both to be correct .But when calculated, the fare at the rate of Rs 8 for 8 km is Rs. 66 including base fare of Rs 10. I had no choice but to pay.
This incidence compels me to think whether their demands are genuine or not? This is not the first time and I am not the first person to face this problem. Why does the RTO accept their demands? They are demanding the status of public servant and on the other hand these very people engage in the manipulation of auto meters.
On reflection, I found that some of their demands are genuine. They could improve the status of their work as public service and the rickshaw driver should be deemed as public servant because they reduce the burden on public transportation as well as well as reach passengers to their destinations in a shorter time.
I do not agree with their demand of withdrawal of Rs. 1 per km when fuel price is reduced / stable. They put pressure on authorities to increase their fare with the increase of fuel price then why not take back the increased fare when the fuel price decreases.
Off course these people face many problems like bribes and extortion by to get licenses and official clearances, parking stand problems etc.
Still I strongly feel Rickshaw drivers should behave ethically and charge only the genuine fare from people instead of manipulating the meter to earn extra money. Just imagine the situation if people boycott (go on strike) the auto services, for their wrong fare and other means of earning. Rickshaw Panchayat should also think about this. After all common people are their customers and rickshaw panchayat should consider the people and teach their members ethics.
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