Mysuru auto drivers to march to Bengaluru from Feb 26

Mysuru: Autorickshaw drivers in Mysuru have resolved to undertake a massive padyatra from Mysuru to Bengaluru from Feb 26, pressing for housing facilities and enhanced welfare measures in the upcoming State Budget.The decision was taken at a meeting held on Sunday, where drivers and union leaders discussed their longstanding demands. The padyatra will begin at Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple near the Mysuru Palace North Gate and conclude at the CM's residence in Bengaluru. More than 500 drivers are expected to participate.
The meeting was inaugurated by AHINDA Federation president Dyavappa Nayaka, who stressed the need for the government to address the hardships faced by auto drivers, many of whom live in extreme poverty without access to proper housing.Union leaders, including M V Srinivasamitra and M H Kiran, outlined key demands such as imposing a temporary freeze on issuing new autorickshaw permits in view of rising traffic congestion and inadequate parking facilities in the city.Among their primary demands is the construction of group housing projects exclusively for drivers. Under the proposed model, beneficiaries would be allowed to reside in the houses for 20 years without the right to sell or lease them, after which ownership would revert to the govt. The drivers are also seeking an annual honorarium of Rs 15,000, similar to the welfare scheme introduced by Andhra Pradesh govt. Additionally, they have called for the establishment of an Unorganised Workers' Economic Development Authority dedicated to drivers and vehicle mechanics.Stating that a memorandum submitted last year did not yield results, the organisers expressed hope that chief minister Siddaramaiah will announce concrete welfare measures in the forthcoming budget to benefit lakhs of workers across the state.