Police delaying nod for protest against ban: Bike taxi association
The city-based Namma Bike Taxi Association claims that they have been denied the permission to organise a peaceful protest, 'Save Bike Taxis,' on June 23 at Freedom Park, despite multiple requests.
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The Hindu
14 hours ago
- The Hindu
Karnataka bike taxi riders left in limbo, call for regulation over blanket ban
Hundreds of bike taxi riders across Karnataka say their livelihood is in crisis following the State government's ongoing crackdown on bike taxis. Riders are now demanding urgent regulation of the sector, arguing that the absence of clear policy has left many jobless and struggling to make ends meet. 'My phone won't stop ringing, 250 to 300 drivers call me every day, asking what they should do,' said Mohammed Salim, president of the Namma Bike Taxi Association. 'I don't know what to tell them. Should we lose our livelihood because the government has no policy for bike taxis? We don't want chaos. We need regulation, not a ban,' he added. Last year alone, Karnataka saw over 8 crore bike taxi rides, Mr. Salim pointed out. 'We're not asking for favours, we're asking for the right to work legally and safely.' Ban pushes families into financial distress For many, the impact of the ban has been deeply personal. Imran M., 37, a father of two, said he has had to borrow money twice this month just to get by. 'My daughter's school is asking for fees, and I have nothing left. I used to earn enough to support my family. Now, we're surviving on borrowed time.' Another rider, Sathish, 26, questioned the State government's double standards. 'Delivery partners can use the same bike to deliver food, but I get fined for giving someone a ride. Where's the logic in that? All I want is to earn an honest living.' Meanwhile, several bike taxi riders have begun shifting to food and quick commerce delivery platforms in an effort to sustain themselves. 'I started delivering food and quick commerce apps just two days ago. I have been working as a bike taxi rider for over two years, and adjusting to this new kind of work hasn't been easy. It's physically demanding and the pay is unpredictable.' Open letters The Namma Bike Taxi Association has written a series of open letters to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, but riders say they are yet to receive a response. 'What's ironic is that the same government passed a Gig Worker Welfare Bill just last month. And yet, they are dismantling a sector that provides flexible income to thousands of gig workers across the state,' said Mr. Salim. As desperation grows among riders, many fear that the longer the delay in regulation, the worse their situation will become. The association members are now calling for an immediate dialogue with the government to frame a legal structure that protects both riders and passengers.
Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru's bike taxi riders in a fix over ban, urge Karnataka govt to reverse crackdown
Days after the bike taxi ban in Karnataka, over a hundred bike taxi riders affiliated with the Namma Bike Taxi Association on Thursday convened with Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and Dasarahalli MLA S Muniraju, calling for a reversal of the decision, news agency ANI reported. Acting on behalf of thousands of drivers state-wide, the association submitted a formal appeal seeking lawful recognition for bike taxis and the introduction of a structured regulatory framework to eliminate confusion and harassment. This meeting comes after several ignored communications to key political leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and MP Rahul Gandhi, the report stated. The Congress government in Karnataka came under fire for its silence particularly due to its recent passage of the Gig Worker Welfare Bill, a legislation meant to protect workers in flexible job markets. 'My phone won't stop ringing - 250 to 300 drivers call me every day, asking for help. And I don't know what to tell them. Should we lose our livelihoods because the government has no policy for bike taxis? We don't want chaos. We need regulation, not a ban,' Mohammed Salim, President, Namma Bike Taxi Association, said, as quoted by ANI. Bike taxi drivers said there are rising tensions with auto-rickshaw unions, while commuters also expressed frustration over a spike in Bengaluru's traffic as well as auto rickshaw and taxi fares after the crackdown on bike taxis. ALSO READ | Bengaluru traffic '5X worse' after bike taxi ban? Residents complain of choking roads The Central Government's Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines of 2020 classify bike taxis as legitimate under Section 2(7), but Karnataka has yet to enact corresponding state regulations. Although an Electric Bike Taxi Policy was introduced in 2021, it was quietly repealed in 2024 without explanation, leaving both service providers and users in a regulatory vacuum. (With inputs from ANI)
Deccan Herald
a day ago
- Deccan Herald
Police delaying nod for protest against ban: Bike taxi association
The city-based Namma Bike Taxi Association claims that they have been denied the permission to organise a peaceful protest, 'Save Bike Taxis,' on June 23 at Freedom Park, despite multiple requests.
