* State to constitute welfare board for auto drivers
* Government agrees to increase the minimum fare from Rs. 12 to 14 a km
* Auto drivers to be given three months time to recalibrate their meters

The one-day long autorickshaw strike in the twin cities was called off on Tuesday after the Government agreed to increase the minimum fare from Rs. 12 to 14 a km and the km rate from Rs. 7 to 8 with effect from December 15. The last fare hike was effected in June 2008. The waiting charges are to go up from ten paise to 25 paise, for every two minutes. After the talks with representatives of 20 unions of the Joint Action Committee, Transport Minister Botcha Satyanarayana announced on Tuesday that auto drivers would be given three months time to recalibrate their meters.

Until then, they would prominently display the old/new fares on the vehicles. In tune with their demand, the government agreed to constitute a welfare board exclusively for auto drivers in consultation with the Labour department.

Published Date : Wednesday, Dec 15, 12:30PM IST

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