BluSmart drivers protest over unpaid dues, demand jobs after shutdown
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Hundreds of BluSmart driver partners have begun protests across Delhi-NCR, demanding compensation and alternative employment, weeks after the EV ride-hailing platform abruptly halted operations The drivers — many of whom describe BluSmart as the best platform they've worked with — said they were left in the lurch with no formal communication from the company and no clarity on pending payments. Over 10,000 drivers across Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai are estimated to be affected.'We made BluSmart what it is. Why are we the ones left to suffer?' said Sanjay Sagar, who has been with the platform since 2022. 'We were not at fault.'The protests come after the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) barred BluSmart cofounders Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi from accessing the securities markets and holding board positions over allegations of fund siphoning and document forgery in their solar EPC firm, Gensol Engineering — which is closely linked to BluSmart.Driver partners said they were earlier paid weekly, with a structure that provided Rs 8,000 if their weekly earnings exceeded Rs 20,000, plus additional incentives based on customer ratings. However, incentives reportedly declined in recent months, with some drivers alleging the money was diverted for personal use by the founders.Several drivers told ETtech that their last payments were delayed or not received at all. 'We got a message saying the cars were being held at hubs for an audit. Since then, nothing,' said Tarisha Kumar, a 21-year-old driver from Delhi. 'Other platforms don't even onboard women drivers easily.'BluSmart had over 300 women drivers in the capital, many of whom are now struggling to find new jobs. 'It's easier for male drivers, but women — especially single mothers — are left behind,' Kumar added.Some of BluSmart's vehicles were reportedly seized by banks or acquired by rival electric cab players such as Evera.Gig Workers Association's organising secretary, Nitesh Kumar Das, said the company abandoned drivers without compensation. 'This is unjust. These people built the company with their labour. There must be a law to prevent such exploitation.'Many driver partners are now facing acute financial stress, especially those who were sole breadwinners. One Gurgaon-based driver said he is struggling to pay school fees for his daughter, with no job in hand and no clarity on future prospects.BluSmart has not issued any official statement since halting operations.
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