Police action irks auto rickshaw owners

Police action against illegal use of gas cylinders in auto rickshaws has stirred 1200 auto rickshaw owners in and around Kolhapur.

While state guardian minister Harshawardhan Patil has intervened and pacified the rickshaw owners, the issue is still pending and may keep cropping up again, till it is permanently solved.

The hike in petrol prices has added to the input burden on the auto rickshaw owners, who have to discontinue use of petrol and switch over to cooking gas cylinders.

Most of the rickshaws are using the gas cylinders for the fuel purpose, which is illegal and is considered risky by the police. So, they have started a campaign against such rickshaws.

Being perturbed by the action, the rickshaw association declared "bandh".

The sufferers were commuters, as alternative transport facility being provided by the municipal corporation was irregular and inadequate in view of the sudden increase in demand from commuters in main city, as well as suburban areas around Kolhapur.

The auto rickshaw owners sought the help of Hasan Mushrif, minister of state for dairy development, who hails from Kolhapur. He intervened by asking the police to stop acting against the auto rickshaw owners. Mushrif, however, has clarified that he only communicated the gravity of the situation to the police.

Gas kits for auto rickshaws are allowed but should be manufactured by companies recognised by the state government. "Loyato", "Captain", "Vanaz" and "Novel" are some of the recognised brands, which are costly and beyond the reach of the hard-pressed auto rickshaw owners.

Rajesh Patil, chief of the auto rickshaw owners and drivers association said that the to auto rickshaw owners could not afford the cost of Rs 12,000 for the recognised gas kit and that the government should grant subsidy and low-interest loans. He pointed out at the case of the Mumbai taxi drivers, who are using recognised gas kits, which cost Rs 25,000.