Politics · India Bureau
Telangana auto drivers suspend strike after welfare board assurance
Driver unions in Telangana have called off an indefinite strike after the state government agreed to address their demands, including establishment of a welfare board and fare adjustments.
LSN India ·
The Joint Action Committee representing auto-rickshaw, taxi and school van drivers in Telangana suspended its protest action on Monday following assurances from state authorities. The umbrella group had mobilized for an indefinite strike to press a 14-point charter of demands centered on driver welfare and improved working conditions.
Government officials met with union representatives and committed to establishing a dedicated welfare board to oversee driver benefits and grievance redressal. The administration also acknowledged the need to review fare structures to reflect current operational costs, a key concern raised by the transport workforce.
The decision to suspend the strike came after the government agreed to convene further discussions with stakeholders to finalize implementation details. Union leaders expressed cautious optimism about the outcome, noting that the welfare board would provide a formal mechanism for ongoing dialogue on sector issues.
Telangana's auto-rickshaw and taxi sectors employ tens of thousands of drivers who form a critical component of the state's public transport infrastructure. The welfare board is expected to address concerns including insurance coverage, accident compensation, harassment prevention, and fair meter regulations.