Few passengers, loan, rising fuel prices adding to worries
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 12: Poor work, financial pressure and rising fuel prices have made the lives of hundreds of Auto drivers miserable in Jammu and they want Government to come to their rescue by providing them certain relaxations.
They rue that very few people are availing their services while private financiers are forcing them to pay back the loans taken by them for purchase of the vehicles. Most of these drivers are finding it hard to survive, said Hardev Singh, Chairman, Jammu Auto Operators Union while interacting with the EXCELSIOR.
Around 2500 registered autos ply on Jammu city roads and most of them run in shifts, he said, adding rising prices of the petroleum products is compounding their problems.”It has become difficult to feed our families due to a sharp decline in demand as people are not preferring to sit in Autos even after lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. What worsens the situation for auto drivers is that they have taken loans and private financiers are putting pressure on them for payment on time”, he said.
“Even some of the vehicles have been confiscated by the private financers”, said drivers during interaction outside GMCH Hospital auto stand. The condition of those driving rented vehicles is particularly grave as they are finding it difficult or rather impossible to meet the demands of their families.
“Even while facing the risk of catching COVID-19 infection, drivers are working but it is a misfortune that they are not being able to earn enough to pay rent and feed their families”, Singh added.
With fuel and other expenses like buying sanitisers adding to the kitty, it is difficult to survive with our income, says another auto driver who was waiting for passengers at Janipur auto stand.
“Transport Department provided Rs 2000 to those on whose name the permit is issued. What about those, who drive the auto rickshaws, but don’t own the vehicle”, they said and demanded Rs 50 down from the existing Rs 39.
“I took a loan from a private financier, who is now demanding payment and threatening to take away my auto. I have a family of five. I do not earn enough to feed my family let alone pay the installment”, said another auto driver.
Both the Centre and UT Government of Jammu and Kashmir should waive off all the documents fees for the entire year, particularly the insurance and passenger tax in view of the pandemic and its economic impact, Union Chairman said. He also demanded compensation for the auto drivers, who are facing acute financial crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He further demanded reduction in fuel charges.
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