Striking auto drivers unions organise massive rally

Hyderabad, Jan 24 (UNI) Demanding that the state government scrap the GO 213, making installation of digital fare meters mandatory, the auto drivers unions today organised a massive rally from Sundarayya Park to Indira Park here.

With the indefinite strike called by the auto drivers unions to protest against the government's decision to make digital meters compulsory to avoid tampering entered the third day today, about 1.5 lakh auto-rickshaws stayed off the roads.

Revolutionary Poet Balladeer Gaddar, addressing the rally, alleged that the government was taking decisions against the interests of the poor auto drivers.

He demanded that the government withdraw the GO 213 and invite the auto drivers for talks to solve the problem amicably.

The union leaders said the indefinite strike would continue until the government scrap the GO.

So far, the government had not invited the union leaders for talks to solve the problem.

Meanwhile, normal life was badly hit, following the strike.

School children were the most affected.

Though the state-owned Road Transport Corporation (RTC) operated additional buses, the commuters had a tough time reaching their destinations.

UNI