Patna : Auto-rickshaw drivers in Bihar have agreed to postpone their strike for a week following discussions with the district administration, ensuring that school transport services remain uninterrupted until April 9.
The decision came after a meeting between auto unions and District Magistrate Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh on Wednesday. Ajay Kumar Patel, General Secretary of the Auto Men’s Union Bihar, confirmed the development, stating that the magistrate had assured them their demands would be taken up with the relevant authorities.
Protest and demands
On Wednesday, thousands of auto and e-rickshaw drivers gathered at the Gardanibagh protest site to voice their concerns. During the demonstration, the district administration invited union representatives for discussions. An 11-member delegation, including union leaders Raj Kumar Jha, Bijli Prasad, and Himanshu Prasad, participated in the negotiations.
The auto unions submitted a memorandum outlining seven key demands. These included reversing the decision to restrict auto-rickshaw operations in schools, extending the deadline for compliance with vehicle documentation requirements, and ensuring proper charging infrastructure before implementing a colour-coded regulation for vehicles.
Political support
The protest saw participation from more than 5,000 auto and e-rickshaw drivers. Political leaders, including CPIML MLA Gopal Ravidas and former MLA Shakti Singh Yadav, also expressed their support for the movement.
Murtaza Ali, a senior union representative, criticised the policy changes, arguing that restricting auto-rickshaws in schools threatened the livelihood of thousands of drivers. He urged the Transport Department to reconsider its approah.
