Taxi and auto drivers on 3-day strike in Delhi-NCR from May 21, what warning they issued to Govt?
Delhi-NCR Transport Chakka Jam: The Taxi and Auto Drivers' Association in the National Capital Region (Delhi-NCR) has announced that it will go on strike on May 21, 22, and 23. Citing rising fuel prices in Delhi-NCR and across the country, the association has demanded an increase in fares. On Monday, the All India Motor Transport Congress wrote letters to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Lieutenant Governor Tarandeep Singh Sandhu, presenting their demands.
Providing details regarding the strike, Anuj Kumar Rathore, Vice President of the Chalak Shakti Union, stated that a coordinated Chakka Jam would be organized jointly by various organizations across Delhi. He also appealed to taxi and auto drivers to refrain from operating their vehicles during the three days proposed for the strike. Furthermore, the association issued a warning to the government, stating that if no notification regarding a fare hike is issued, the agitation will be intensified and expanded to a much larger scale.
Taxi and auto fares not hiked for the past 15 years
Addressing the issue of fare hikes, members of the association pointed out that taxi and auto fares have not been increased for the past 15 years, even though fuel prices have risen multiple times during this period. Additionally, they accused app-based cab companies of engaging in unfair fare determination and arbitrary practices.
Citing an order by the Delhi High Court, the organization said that the Court had issued directives last year regarding fare revisions and the resolution of issues faced by taxi drivers; however, the government has yet to take any concrete action in this matter. The association has also announced plans to stage a protest outside the Delhi Secretariat on May 23.
In Delhi, major wholesale markets—such as the Ghazipur Mandi, Azadpur Mandi, and Okhla Vegetable Market—rely entirely on transport services to receive large daily consignments of vegetables, fruits, and other essential commodities. The strike proposed by the association will disrupt these transport services, raising fears of supply disruptions across the city. The impact of this delay could also be reflected in prices.
Currently, the heat in the Delhi-NCR region is at its peak. Consequently, the demand for fruits and green vegetables in the city remains high. The supply chain is expected to be disrupted following the strike called by the association. As a result, people may have to pay higher prices. Anticipating the strike, shopkeepers have also started stockpiling supplies.