As per reports, auto drivers’ unions in Telangana have called off their proposed indefinite strike following discussions with Transport Department officials and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Sunday (23 August).

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Auto, Cab and School Van Drivers’ Unions had announced an indefinite strike from Monday (24 August) over a 14-point charter of demands. Following talks with the government, the unions stated that the proposed strike had been withdrawn after receiving assurances on several of their demands.

• The government has agreed to establish a TGSRTC workers’ welfare board. A joint meeting involving representatives of the Labour Department, Transport Department and auto-rickshaw unions is scheduled to be held on Tuesday (01 September) to discuss measures related to the welfare board.
• Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the Telangana government would make yellow registration plates mandatory for two-wheelers transporting passengers through platforms such as Rapido, Ola and Uber. The Minister also clarified that there are no plans for the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) to purchase electric auto-rickshaws, describing reports suggesting such a proposal as a false campaign.
• Prabhakar further stated that the government would discuss the election promise of providing INR 12,000 assistance to auto workers, taking into consideration the financial position of the State. The matter is expected to be discussed in the Cabinet, following which a decision is likely to be taken.
• The government will also provide assistance of INR 1.50 lakh for converting old diesel and petrol auto-rickshaws into electric auto-rickshaws through retrofitting within the Hyderabad Comprehensive Urban Road Expansion (CURE) Area. The government has also decided to provide a subsidy for the purchase of new electric auto-rickshaws.