Autorickshaw drivers and vehicle owners assembled in significant numbers outside the Andheri Regional Transport Office (RTO) on April 8, Tuesday morning, expressing strong resistance to compulsory enrolment under the state welfare board scheme. The demonstration began at around 11 am and witnessed participation from several unions representing the sector. Protesters voiced concerns over increasing financial strain and claimed that authorities were enforcing the policy unfairly. According to union representatives, the Maharashtra government introduced the measure without properly consulting stakeholders, which has led to growing dissatisfaction and unrest among drivers and operators across the state’s autorickshaw community.
The protest largely centred on the prescribed fee structure, which has triggered widespread anger among drivers. As per the new requirement, autorickshaw drivers must pay Rs 500 as a one-time registration fee along with an annual charge of Rs 300, taking the total to Rs 800. Protesters argued that this contradicts the fundamental purpose of a welfare board, which is intended to provide support rather than impose additional financial obligations. Union leader Shashank Rao criticised the amount as unreasonable, stating that similar welfare boards charge only nominal fees. He further highlighted that drivers already manage several expenses, including permits, fuel, and maintenance.
The agitation has intensified further due to allegations of indirect pressure being exerted by officials at the Regional Transport Office. Protesters claimed that drivers who have not registered under the scheme are facing delays in essential services such as vehicle fitness certification, permit renewals, and other approvals. Union leaders described these actions as coercive and unfair, asserting that no individual should be compelled to pay a fee to access routine administrative services. They warned that such practices could severely impact livelihoods, especially for drivers who rely on daily income and cannot afford disruptions in their work.
Another major concern raised by unions relates to the potential scale of funds generated through this initiative. With an estimated 15 lakh autorickshaw drivers in Maharashtra, representatives suggested that the government could collect nearly Rs 120 crore annually through the scheme. This has sparked questions regarding transparency and the actual intent behind the policy. Shashank Rao questioned whether the funds would genuinely be used for the welfare of drivers, stressing the need for clear accountability and proper utilisation of the collected money.
The protest held on April 8 is likely to gain further momentum, with more autorickshaw unions across Maharashtra expected to join the agitation in the coming days. Mumbai witnessed one of the largest gatherings, indicating the scale of discontent within the sector. Drivers have warned of intensifying their protest if their concerns remain unaddressed by the authorities. For many participants, the demonstration highlights broader worries about rising operational costs and the ongoing struggle to maintain sustainable livelihoods in an increasingly regulated and financially demanding transport environment.