
Drivers forum urges govt to implement km-based uniform fare
In their letter to the Transport Minister and Transport Commissioner, TADF has demanded the implementation of kilometre-based, uniform fares for city autos, cabs, and aggregator services—similar to the model introduced in Karnataka.
Shaik Salauddin, TADF member, said that the key concerns raised include – elimination of exploitative surge pricing and fluctuating fare algorithms; transparency in fare structures, including base fare, per km charge, and waiting time; regulation of illegally operating vehicles from other states on aggregator platforms.
In a separate representation to the Additional Commissioner of Labour, TADF has demanded that the state government to notify a uniform fixed fare rule that ensures minimum wage-level earnings for drivers after deductions; extend the applicability of Platform Workers' Law to auto and cab drivers on app-based platforms; establish a tripartite committee comprising the Labour Department, driver unions, and aggregator companies to frame and monitor fair regulations
TADF emphasized that the rapidly expanding platform economy must not become a space for deregulated, low-paid work. 'Drivers deserve dignity of labour, predictable income, and protection from exploitation. Telangana must take the lead in ensuring fairness and transparency in the transport gig economy,' the Forum said.
TADF has expressed its willingness to participate in formal consultations and policy review meetings to support the government's efforts toward regulation and worker welfare.
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Economic Times
3 days ago
- Economic Times
Mamata Banerjee launches ‘Sramashree' scheme to support and rehabilitate returning migrant workers in Bengal
Synopsis West Bengal government introduces 'Sramashree' scheme for migrant workers. Mamata Banerjee announced financial aid of Rs 5,000 per month. This support continues until they find employment in Bengal. The scheme aims to help workers return and become self-sufficient. 'Khadya Sathi' and 'Swasthya Sathi' cards will also be provided. Children's education and skill training are also part of the plan. ANI Howrah, Aug 18 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses a press conference, in Howrah on Monday. (ANI Photo) Kolkata: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced a rehabilitation scheme for migrant labourers who were allegedly harassed and tortured in BJP-ruled at the state secretariat Nabanna, she said: 'We have formulated a new rehabilitation plan for migrant workers called 'Sramashree'. Through 'Sramasree', migrant labourers, who have enrolled in the portal, would be provided financial aid of Rs 5,000 for 12 months or till the time they get fresh employment in Bengal. The cabinet has given approval for the scheme to help in the rehabilitation of the migrant workers willing to return,' she said.'This new plan is focused on helping migrant workers return and become economically reliant. Those who return will be provided Rs 5,000 along with one-time travel aid. Until new work can be arranged for them, an aid of Rs 5,000 per month will be given. The Labour Department will be the nodal department for this,' she said. 'During Covid, we had supported the migrant labourers through various schemes.''Migrant workers from Bengal, who are working outside and those who are enrolled in the migrant workers portal (Karmasathi), will get the aid,' she said. Those who are returning can get in touch with the Migrant Workers Welfare Board or through 'Karmasathi', she said.'In addition to financial aid, migrant workers will get 'Khadya Sathi' cards. The administration has been instructed to provide this and the chief secretary will monitor the process. 'Swasthya Sathi' cards will also be provided. If they do not have a house, a community kitchen centre will be set up. Arrangements will be made for their children to enrol in local government schools to ensure their education continues without interruption. The migrant workers will also be enrolled in other schemes of the state government as well,' Banerjee said. 'The primary aim of this initiative is to bring back our migrant workers and help them get a livelihood and make them financially independent. We have 'Utkarsha Bangla' scheme too, where we give skilled training. Those who return will be assessed to identify the skills they possess, and training will be given wherever required,' Banerjee claimed that around 22 lakh migrant labourers and their families have been working outside Bengal. 'In states with double-engine governments, there is attack on Bengali speaking people,' she said.'These workers, if they return, will be provided work under the Karmashree scheme and given job-cards. We have given work to 78 lakh job-card holders under this scheme and over 91 crore man-days have been created. The state has spent Rs 19,000 crore for this scheme,' Banerjee stated.


Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Mamata Banerjee launches ‘Sramashree' scheme to support and rehabilitate returning migrant workers in Bengal
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Kolkata: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced a rehabilitation scheme for migrant labourers who were allegedly harassed and tortured in BJP-ruled at the state secretariat Nabanna, she said: 'We have formulated a new rehabilitation plan for migrant workers called 'Sramashree'. Through 'Sramasree', migrant labourers, who have enrolled in the portal, would be provided financial aid of Rs 5,000 for 12 months or till the time they get fresh employment in Bengal. The cabinet has given approval for the scheme to help in the rehabilitation of the migrant workers willing to return,' she said.'This new plan is focused on helping migrant workers return and become economically reliant. Those who return will be provided Rs 5,000 along with one-time travel aid. Until new work can be arranged for them, an aid of Rs 5,000 per month will be given. The Labour Department will be the nodal department for this,' she said. 'During Covid, we had supported the migrant labourers through various schemes.''Migrant workers from Bengal, who are working outside and those who are enrolled in the migrant workers portal (Karmasathi), will get the aid,' she said. Those who are returning can get in touch with the Migrant Workers Welfare Board or through 'Karmasathi', she said.'In addition to financial aid, migrant workers will get 'Khadya Sathi' cards. The administration has been instructed to provide this and the chief secretary will monitor the process. 'Swasthya Sathi' cards will also be provided. If they do not have a house, a community kitchen centre will be set up. Arrangements will be made for their children to enrol in local government schools to ensure their education continues without interruption. The migrant workers will also be enrolled in other schemes of the state government as well,' Banerjee said.'The primary aim of this initiative is to bring back our migrant workers and help them get a livelihood and make them financially independent. We have 'Utkarsha Bangla' scheme too, where we give skilled training. Those who return will be assessed to identify the skills they possess, and training will be given wherever required,' Banerjee claimed that around 22 lakh migrant labourers and their families have been working outside Bengal. 'In states with double-engine governments, there is attack on Bengali speaking people,' she said.'These workers, if they return, will be provided work under the Karmashree scheme and given job-cards. We have given work to 78 lakh job-card holders under this scheme and over 91 crore man-days have been created. The state has spent Rs 19,000 crore for this scheme,' Banerjee stated.


Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
Bengal announces financial scheme for returning migrants: Rs 5000/month for a year
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