Telangana Auto Drivers Announce State-Wide Strike Over Unmet Welfare Promises

HYDERABAD — Auto-rickshaw drivers across Telangana have announced a state-wide strike starting from Sunday midnight to protest against the state government's failure to implement promised welfare measures. In Hyderabad, thousands of drivers are scheduled to take out a protest march from Sundarayya Vignana Kendram to RTC Cross Roads on Monday.

The announcement was made following a meeting of various auto workers' unions held at Telangana Bhavan on Sunday. Along with the Hyderabad march, union leaders have called for burning effigies of the government across district headquarters.

Speaking to the media, Auto Workers Joint Action Committee (JAC) chairman and BRTU Auto Workers union president Vemula Maraiah stated that the Congress government has failed to fulfil its commitments to auto drivers over nearly three years in power. Key unfulfilled promises highlighted by the union include setting up a dedicated welfare board and providing annual financial assistance of Rs 12,000 to drivers.

Maraiah also pointed out that the Rs 5 lakh accident insurance scheme, which was provided under the previous BRS government, has been discontinued by the current administration.

Claiming that there are approximately 25 lakh auto drivers across Telangana, Maraiah demanded comprehensive welfare measures alongside a dedicated government online app to support the community. He urged auto-rickshaw drivers across the state to join the strike, avoid falling for misleading propaganda from certain unions, and appealed to the general public for cooperation during the protest.