The Auto Drivers Unions JAC postponed its proposed one-day auto bandh (planned for April 13) following talks held with the Transport Commissioner Sandeep Sultania.
Earlier in the day, a delegation of the committee led by Mohd Amanullah Khan, senior auto union leader, presented a memorandum to Sultania demanding stern action against Ola and Uber which it alleged were collecting fares than those of autos "illegally", due to which the very existence of the auto rickshaw business in the twin cities was getting endangered.
Further, the delegation pointed out to the Commissioner that Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao had promised to issue driving licenses to auto drivers without the mandatory 8th class pass certificate, and that the promise was yet to be fulfilled.
It also complained that the problem of the transfer of auto ownership was to be sorted out one year back, but was is still pending.
They demanded that the Commissioner recommend to the government the setting up of an auto drivers' welfare fund, as in other States.
The Transport Commissioner heard the delegation patiently and assured that he would look into the grievances of the auto drivers at the earliest.
The JAC leaders in a joint press statement later said that they were postponing the strike for the time being in order to give some time to the government to consider their "just and reasonable" issues. They warned that if their problems were not settled within a fortnight, the auto drivers would be forced to intensify their agitation.
The delegation consisted of B Venkatesham, Mirza Rafatullah Baig, V Kiran, Mohd Habeeb Ali and V Maraiah.
filed in:Protests, Bandhs, Auto Rickshaw Unions, Auto Rickshaws