Delhi Polls: Auto drivers demand stands, insurance and subsidies

Delhi Polls: As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, autorickshaw drivers in the national capital have voiced their expectations for health insurance, dedicated stands, and subsidies for purchasing new CNG vehicles, citing these as crucial to their livelihoods.

Autorickshaw drivers believe these demands are long overdue, pointing to years of unfulfilled promises by successive governments.

In 2013, autorickshaw drivers were seen as key supporters of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), promoting the party with banners on their vehicles and contributing to its grassroots reach.

Ahead of the upcoming elections, the community appears divided. While some drivers support the AAP and others back the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), drivers associated with cab aggregator platforms have largely stayed apolitical, avoiding political endorsements on their vehicles.

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Patriot spoke with several drivers across Delhi to understand the challenges they face, ranging from financial struggles to harassment by authorities.

Dedicated autorickshaw stands

Mohammed Yusuf, an autorickshaw driver waiting outside Gate 1 of Lok Nayak Hospital, shared his struggles. “Nowadays, running an auto in the capital city has become a challenge,” he said. “It is very difficult to park near metro stations or hospitals, where we hope to find commuters. Since cab aggregator platforms entered the market, many people now prefer motorcycles for commuting instead of autorickshaws. This has made it harder for CNG three-wheeler drivers to earn a livelihood.”

Sameer Khan, another driver, demanded dedicated autorickshaw stands in Delhi. “The government should consider building proper stands so we are not constantly displaced by police personnel,” he said.

Demand for health insurance for drivers

Surender Kumar, 50, who had parked his autorickshaw outside Bal Bhawan to rest while waiting for commuters, spoke about his health issues. “I am suffering from respiratory illness but cannot afford to visit a government hospital and wait in long queues as I am the sole breadwinner for my family. Our business is already affected by cab service aggregator platforms. If the Ayushman Bharat Scheme were implemented here, I could have gone to a private hospital for treatment,” he said.

Praising the AAP’s announcement of life insurance for auto drivers, Kumar said, “Auto drivers play a crucial role in the capital by helping people reach their destinations on time. Kejriwal’s initiatives have been welcomed by many in our community.”

Irfan Ahmed, 36, another driver, spoke about the difficult living conditions. “The rent in Delhi has skyrocketed since the Covid pandemic, forcing many drivers to share single rooms with four or more people,” he said.

Criticising cab service aggregator platforms, Ahmed said, “These platforms offering cheap bike taxis have severely impacted our earnings, pushing many autorickshaw drivers into financial crises.” He urged the government to regulate the sector to protect their livelihoods. “If nothing is done, the situation will worsen for people like us,” he added.

Fear of police baton

A significant concern for autorickshaw drivers is harassment by police, particularly when parking near metro stations to pick up passengers.

Naresh Singh, 35, described the daily struggles. “Every day, we face competitors poaching passengers and police personnel hitting our vehicles with batons to drive us away from metro station exits. Sometimes, they even beat us, citing traffic congestion. What choice do we have? Should we stop earning our livelihood?” he questioned.

However, Singh continues to put his faith in the AAP, stating, “The only government that can truly help us is the AAP.”

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Subsidy on CNG autorickshaws

Autorickshaw drivers also demand subsidies and benefits for purchasing new CNG vehicles, similar to those provided for electric rickshaws in Delhi.

Sonu Kashyap, 42, said, “The government should offer subsidies for CNG three-wheelers as they also cause less pollution. This would enable drivers to buy their own vehicles instead of renting them at fixed monthly rates from owners.”

Rajendra Soni, General Secretary of the Delhi Auto Rickshaw Sangh and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union, emphasised the unfulfilled promises made by the AAP while outlining the commitments recently made by the BJP. He acknowledged schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna and Ayushman Bharat as beneficial but pointed out that autorickshaw drivers had initially supported Kejriwal in 2013 with high hopes for change.

Soni mentioned that BJP state president Virendra Sachdeva assured the union of addressing key issues such as housing and health insurance under central schemes. “The BJP has also promised to establish dedicated autorickshaw stands to protect us from harassment,” Soni said, adding that many drivers now see the BJP as an alternative for improving their livelihoods.

As Delhi approaches the elections, the demands of autorickshaw drivers highlight the challenges faced by one of the city’s most essential yet vulnerable communities. Addressing their concerns is not just a political promise but a necessity for ensuring a sustainable and inclusive urban transport system in the capital.