Telangana - Auto drivers ‘beg for alms’ on TSRTC buses
Auto drivers in telangana jumped onto telangana State Transport Corporation (TSRTC) buses to solicit alms from passengers in a new protest against the telangana government's free bus travel policy for women. In social media videos, auto drivers can be seen carrying a bowl and requesting alms from passengers aboard a bus while dressed in their uniform, in protest against the telangana government's Mahalaxmi plan.
The revanth Reddy-led congress administration granted free travel for women across the state on specific TSRTC buses. The initiative was part of the Congress' election pledge and was put into action within days of taking office. A state auto union has also called for a Mahadharna on Sunday, january 7. The telangana Autonomous drivers Trade Union, affiliated with the Bharatiya Rashtra Trade Union (BRTU), has organized a mahadharna on january 7 at Dharna Chowk, Indira Park, where at least 1000 auto drivers are expected to protest free TSRTC bus travel for women.
Since the creation of the state, the BRTU has been linked with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi. While the telangana government announced Rs 5 lakh in accidental insurance and Rs 10 lakh in health insurance for gig and platform workers, including auto rickshaw drivers, several of these workers have expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that free TSRTC bus travel for women has reduced their income.
Working women, who were formerly their major source of income, are now opting to commute by bus for free rather than pay hundreds of rupees for autorickshaws.