Sri Vijaya Puram, June 29: The Chairman of Campaign Committee, Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC) Mr. TSG Bhasker has urged the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to immediately revise the auto-rickshaw fare structure, highlighting the severe financial hardship faced by thousands of auto-rickshaw drivers due to the prolonged delay in revising fares.
In a representation submitted to the Chief Secretary, Mr. TSG Bhasker, stated that despite repeated appeals by various auto-rickshaw unions over the past five years, the Administration has failed to revise the fare structure, even as the cost of living and vehicle operating expenses have risen sharply.
“The existing fare structure was last revised in 2019. Since then, fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, insurance premiums, spare parts, tyres, batteries, permits and other operational expenses have increased substantially. However, the earnings of auto-rickshaw drivers have remained stagnant, pushing thousands of hardworking families into financial distress,” he said.
He pointed out that most auto-rickshaw drivers depend entirely on their daily earnings to support their families, meet educational expenses of their children, pay medical bills, repay vehicle loans, pay house rent and manage other essential household needs. With no fare revision for five years, many drivers are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain their livelihoods despite working long hours every day.
Describing the issue as one of livelihood and social justice, Mr. Bhasker called upon the Administration to treat the matter with urgency and initiate an immediate review of the existing fare structure.
He has also demanded that the Administration convene an early meeting with representatives of all auto-rickshaw unions to hear their grievances and arrive at a fair and practical fare revision through consultation.
“The auto-rickshaw drivers have waited patiently for years. Their genuine and long-pending demand deserves immediate attention. A fair revision of fares is essential not only to protect their livelihoods but also to ensure sustainable public transport services in the Islands,” Mr. Bhasker added.
Mr. TSG Bhasker expressed hope that the Administration would respond positively and provide long-overdue relief to the thousands of auto-rickshaw drivers who continue to serve the public despite mounting economic challenges.
