Smile, for a day...wish it is forever ;-)

The autorickshaw's in Chennai had been demanding for a revision (okay, an increase!) in the fare and after months and years of deliberation the fares were increased in January, early this year and the auto drivers were not too disappointed though they had some concerns. However, it is no secret or surprise that the auto drivers now use the revised fares to demand more and continue with their contract rates. Given that the demand for revision of minimum fare had been settled with the GoTN, the Tamil Nadu Auto Driver's Association has now called for a state wide strike on the 8th August citing various reasons as below;

a. Discontinue the act of cancelling the driving license of auto drivers causing road accidents

b. Provide allowance of Rs.5000 for auto's running on LPG

c. Implement ESI scheme for auto drivers

d. Increase the pension from Rs.400 to Rs.1000

e. Prevent ill treatment of auto drivers by the policemen

f. Curb the brokers domination in RTO's during the processing of FC's, Registration, etc

I've never liked the attitude of auto drivers in chennai city, for that matter in the whole of Tamil Nadu. Lessons from our neighbour, Karnataka, must be learnt in this aspect, who have every reason to boast of their reliable autorickshaw drivers.

The auto driver's and their "association", predominantly controlled by the politicians & policemen in Tamil Nadu is one bunch of unsettled, ever dissatisfied crowd and their knack to pick causes for going off the road and creating the stir should be observed.

I wish they go on strike starting 8th August till their demands are met 'coz I feel the state will be a lot cleaner and nicer, especially the traffic scene, with the auto's off the road, forever!

PS: Too bad I would not be in town to enjoy my drive through the chennai roads without the auto's...sigh...sob!

இது தேவையா?

75 ஆன்டுகளுக்கு முன் எடுகக்பட்ட பழமையன கனக்கெடுப்பை உறுதியானதாகக் கருத முடியது எனக் கூரி, உயர் கல்வி நிறுவனங்களில் பிற்படுத்தபட்டோருக்கு 27 சதவீதம் இடஒதுக்கீடு சட்டதுக்கு இடைக்காலத் தடை விதித்த உச்ச நீதிமன்றத் தீர்ப்பை எதிர்த்து தமிழ் நாட்டில் ஆளுங் கூட்டனி மற்றும் எதிர்க் கட்சிகள் இனைந்து (அடடா, என்ன ஆச்சிர்யம்?) சென்ற சனிக்கிழமை (மார்ச் 31ஆம் தேதி) மாநிலம் தழுவிய பொது வேலை நிறுத்தம் மற்றும் கடை அடைப்புக்கு உத்தரவு பிறபிக்கப்பட்டு நிறைவேற்றப்படது.

இது ஒரு பக்கம் இருக்க, இன்னும் 10 வருடத்தில் இந்தியா ஒரு மாபெரும் வல்லரசு நாடாக உருவகும் என நாம் மார் தட்டி கொள்கிறோம். இது என்ன கொடுமையா இல்ல காமடியா?

Change is certain!

I read from the online edition of the "Daily Thanthi" today that all vegetable and fruits vendors, across Tamilnadu will be on strike today protesting the entry of " Reliance Fresh" across the state. The worst part is that the eviction of Reliance Fresh in TN is supported by the ruling coalition partner PMK. The reason, small players will be wiped away in the course of time!

Isn't it so obvious that the buyers are then cheated / charged high by such vendors? If there is a competition, one has to stand up and face it or just quit rather than protest against something that is certain. Reliance's venture into retail is definite to benefit the masses. Do we all not know what the Ambani's, Tata's and Birla's are capable of? Do we not appreciate Reliance and Tata's achievement in the Telecom sector? How different is the retail?

Can one forget the sea of change India has experienced since the liberalization reforms started in 1991? Its high time people, especially politicians realize that change is certain!