Kozhikode: Youngsters are fast disappearing from the driving seats of autorickshaws in Kozhikode city these days. Is there a sudden loss of glam? It's not, says Preman N.K, who drives a rickshaw for the past 22 years in the city. “Unlike earlier times, it is tough to make a living by driving a rickshaw here. The tremendous increase in the number of cars and motorbikes and rising fuel costs has had an impact on the sector,” he adds.
According to the auto drivers DC spoke to, the average earnings per day is Rs 400. “If the auto is on hire, Rs 350 is paid to the owner, Rs 200 for fuel and Rs 100 for daily expenses. The maximum collection in a day could be Rs 1,200,” Riyas C.V explained. He says that the auto would be good for those having other sources of income.
Currently, the cost for an auto permit is more than that of the vehicle. An auto permit is close to Rs 2,20,000 while a vehicle costs Rs 1.86 lakh. “Most of the auto drivers take money from money lenders at a huge interest to obtain the permit. Rs 46,000 is the interest on a loan of Rs one lakh rupees for two years,” says Preman. Auto-drivers allege that the connivance between money lenders and RTO officials has to be broken for the interest to come down.
“Doing odd jobs one can earn Rs 800 per day. So who wants to drive autos?” asks Ramachandran. S, a driver at Palayam.
Another worrying factor is the growing number of drivers from far-off places. “Drivers from Wayanad, Thalasserry and Vadakara are running autos in the city without any hindrance. Most of them are from well-off backgrounds. But they are eating into our space.” says Ramachandran.
T.V Noushad, auto driver and CITU district committee member said that unless better wage and amenities were given, the sector would not attract any one.
