As per reports, app-based cab, taxi, and rickshaw drivers across Maharashtra will suspend passenger services for one day in a statewide strike, on Thursday (09 October), organized by the Bharatiya Gig Workers Forum.

The protesters have also announced plans to participate in a ‘jail bharo’ agitation, a peaceful protest form where participants voluntarily court arrest to overwhelm the authorities and highlight their cause.

• Reports indicate that drivers from Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and Aurangabad have also pledged to stop cab and autorickshaw services on Thursday (09 October).
• After a meeting with senior officials on Tuesday (07 October), the Transport Minister, Pratap Sarnaik, stated that aggregator cab companies will need to accord priority to passengers and drivers in the future and cannot exploit them to earn excessive profits.
• He further stated that a new aggregator policy will be announced within two days by/around Thursday (09 October). It is expected to cap surge pricing, fix driver payouts, and enforce compliance among app-based operators.
• However, driver unions reportedly remain ‘unconvinced’ and warned of an indefinite strike if their demands remain unmet.