Port Blair, July 17: Here is a bad news for the Mango Man (Aam admi) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Andaman Nicobar Auto Union today confirmed that the auto fare will be hiked soon in A & N Islands. They said that hike in fuel prices has made it unfeasible for them to run their vehicles and they have no other option than hiking the fares.
However, it is not clear that upto what extend the fares will be finally hiked by the State Transport Authority.
With a few demands the Andaman Nicobar Auto Union, which is affiliated to INTUC, today met the Chief Secretary. The delegation of auto drivers, headed by Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma demanded of increasing Auto Fare, Subsidy @ 1000/- in electronic meter, permit for only those autos- which are purchased under PMEGP and decrease in insurance amount.
“The Chief Secretary told the delegation that the STA has already communicated the auto association about the decision taken for the hike in auto fare within this month. The Chief Secretary also assured subsidy in electronic meter purchase, regarding permit for autos the CS said that he will look into this matter. On the issue of insurance the CS said that Administration has no role to play in reducing the insurance amount,” Mr. Siddhi, member of Andaman Nicobar Auto Union (ANAU) told Andaman Sheekha today.
Earlier in the morning the members of ANAU organized a mass dharna in front of the Secretariat gate to press these demands.
