Church official wants alternative jobs for Delhi’s auto-rickshaw drivers

(March 19, 2010) An Indian Catholic Church official says phasing out auto-rickshaws in Delhi would cause injustice to the poor drivers if the government fails to offer them alternative jobs. Father Susai Sebastian, director of the Delhi archdiocesan social service wing, told UCA News that the government should give the drivers of motorized tricycle taxis, financial assistance in the form of a loan or subsidy to start an alternative business. While stressing that the government has a duty to act against polluting vehicles, he said it also has a duty to consider the “plight of the poor.” Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit announced on March 17 that her government was planning to phase out the auto-rickshaws from the national capital since they “are not the best option for travel.” Over 55,000 of the vehicles ply Delhi’s roads, making it an important means of transport in the city. Most drivers pay a daily rent to the owner of the auto-rickshaw, whether or not any earning is made. Many are sceptical that the government will find any alternative job once the auto-rickshaws are off Delhi’s roads.