Govt Rental Vehicle Drivers’ Strike Enters Second Day

Hyderabad: The indefinite strike launched by owners and drivers of vehicles rented for government offices has entered its second day and is continuing peacefully in all 33 districts of Telangana. Thousands of drivers from various departments are joining the agitation, demanding increase in monthly rental rates from Rs 34,000 to Rs 55,000 and immediate payment of pending bills.

Telangana Four Wheeler Drivers Association pointed out that thousands of vehicle owner drivers and their families are facing serious financial difficulties due to low rental charges and delayed payments.

The association called on the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister to resolve the issue as soon as possible through positive dialogue and urgent action. It was stated that although many statements were made to the minister of transport, the general secretary, the finance department, the transport department and other senior officials, no concrete decision has been taken so far.

Meanwhile, the Telangana App-Based Drivers Forum has also given an ultimatum: If the government and platform companies continue to ignore their legitimate demands, workers will be left with no option but to intensify their agitation.

The forum announced a statewide flash strike on Wednesday and announced an indefinite strike starting Aug. 10 if demands remain unresolved. Taxi drivers, rickshaw drivers, freight drivers and delivery workers will also participate in the forum’s strike. Representatives of employees associated with Ola, Uber, Rapido, Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit and other digital platform companies are likely to attend.