Pune Police Commissioner Pledges Action Against Illegal Transport Companies After Meeting with Cab and Auto Associations
Pune, 8th March 2024: Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has assured a delegation of representatives from cab, taxi, auto, and rickshaw associations that the police will investigate the legal aspects and take appropriate action against illegal transport companies. Legal verification will also be conducted to determine the feasibility of allowing total cab meters. The Commissioner expressed that it would be beneficial if these organizations conducted their business using total cab meters, providing improved services to the citizens. Baba Kamble informed that the Pune Police Commissioner has directed Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials to address the legal matters related to this issue.
The delegation comprised prominent figures such as Babasaheb Kamble (National President Auto Taxi Bus Transport Federation), Milind Gaikwad (Raje Pratishthan Cab Association), Ankush Dabhade (Raje Pratishthan Cab Association), Apparao Ghuge (Sarathi Transport Association), Ajay Munde (Taxi Association), Varsha Shinde (Maasaheb Cab Association), Birudrav Palve (Maharashtra Tourist Taxi Association), Anand Tambe (National Organizer Auto Taxi Bus Transport Federation), Aman Kuchekar (Aadhar Cab Foundation), Sanjay Pawar (Chhatrapati Cab Association), Mauli Sonawane (Raje Pratishthan Cab Association), Kiran Sonawane, Dadasaheb Mane, Chandrakant Takwale, among others, who were present during the meeting.
Baba Kamble presented a series of demands to the Commissioner of Police, focusing on the issues faced by cab, taxi, and auto-rickshaw drivers in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad cities. He highlighted concerns about drivers working for companies like Ola and Uber, where over one and a half lakh drivers are reportedly facing exploitation from these capitalist firms. The drivers receive minimal remuneration, and the fixed fare of Rs 8 per kilometre has not seen the implemented increase of Rs 25, as recommended by the Khatwa Committee under the Regional Transport Office.
Ten major organizations from Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad cities have united to address these grievances. They held discussions with the Pune Police Commissioner to find solutions to these pressing issues. The talks, lasting over an hour, were deemed satisfactory by National President Baba Kamble.
However, prior discussions to fix rates for auto-rickshaws and taxis did not yield a conclusive decision, resulting in dissatisfaction among driver associations. A proposed hunger strike was met with refusal from the police, issuing a notice to the organizations. Despite the Pune RTO committee fixing a Rs 25 fare for cabs, challenges persist in its implementation.
Baba Kamble questioned the reluctance of the Pune Collectorate and RTO department in the face of companies like Ola and Uber, which reportedly operate without official permission. He criticized the lack of action against these allegedly illegal entities, emphasizing the ongoing struggle against such capitalistic policies. A meeting at the Pune Collectorate regarding fare hikes for auto-rickshaws and taxis saw dissatisfaction, prompting protests from driver associations. While the struggle continues, the organizations expressed contentment with the positive stance taken by the Commissioner of Police.
