Mumbai autorickshaw union called for several welfare measures for its drivers, including suspension of distribution of permits and licences to government employees who own and run rickshaws, depriving auto drivers of it. The union has also sought monthly allowance to keep the industry floating, as pandemic losses have been mounting.

In a letter to Maharashtra Transport Minister Anil Parab on Wednesday, the Mumbai Autorickshaw Taximens’ Union leader Shashank Rao said it was time the government stepped in to bail out the sinking auto industry and offer a monthly allowance to poor drivers to keep them going.