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Gig Workers Protest at Jantar Mantar, Demand Govt-Set Minimum Fares

App-based transport workers held a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, organized by gig unions. Their primary demands are for the government to set minimum base fares and to withdraw guidelines allowing private vehicles for commercial use. Union leaders have written to Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari but claim to have received no response. They have threatened a massive nationwide protest on March 22-23 if their demands are not met.

Key Points: App-Based Transport Workers Protest, Demand Fare Regulation

  • Protest at Jantar Mantar
  • Demand govt-notified minimum fares
  • Oppose private vehicle commercial use
  • Threaten nationwide strike in March
2 min read

Delhi: App-based transport workers hold protest at Jantar Mantar, ask govt to fix minimum base fares

Gig workers protest in Delhi, demand government-set minimum base fares and oppose private vehicle use for commercial rides.

"We are demanding that the central government withdraw this and that state governments not implement it. - Shaik Salauddin"

New Delhi, February 7

App-based transport workers held a protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday as gig unions called for an all-India breakdown.

Telangana GIG and Platform Workers Union's Founder President, Shaik Salauddin, said that the union has written to Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, raising two key demands: withdraw the guidelines allowing private vehicles to be used for commercial purposes, and notify minimum base fares.

Salauddin told ANI, "We have two major demands from the Ministry of Transport and Nitin Gadkari. The Motor Vehicle Aggregator guidelines, 2025 state that you can drive non-commercial vehicles for platform companies. We are the taxpayers, but there is no exemption for us. We are demanding that the central government withdraw this and that state governments not implement it."

He added that there was no response to their letter from Union Minister Gadkari.

"Second demand pan India is that platform companies can decide the fares. This is unjust. Governments should decide fares for their states. This creates transparency and accountability. We have already written a letter to Nitin Gadkari and the Ministry of Transport. There was no response," he said.

Sharing a copy of the letter on X on February 2, Telangana GIG and Platform Workers Union wrote, "Hon'ble Nitin Gadkari ji, @MORTHIndia Ponnam Prabhakar, App-based drivers and riders across India demand government-notified minimum base fares for Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter, and other aggregators, as mandated under Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025," the X post read.

Sumer Ambawata of the National Driver Morcha Samiti warned of a massive nationwide protest on March 22 and 23 if their demands are not fulfilled.

"All drivers are fighting for the fares today. We oppose the government's policies. If the government does not listen to us, we will hold a big nationwide protest on March 22 and 23. Almost 6300 organisations in the country will take part in it. We want the government to include union leaders representing drivers in policy development. The government has given platform apps the authority to lower our fares by up upto 50 per cent," Sumer Ambawata said.

Meanwhile, gig workers also staged a protest at Mallapur in Nacharam in Telangana's Medchal-Malkajgiri district.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a frequent user, I see both sides. Yes, low fares are great for customers, but I've had drivers tell me they're barely breaking even. A government-regulated minimum base fare seems like a reasonable solution to ensure drivers get a living wage. Transparency is key.
V
Vikram M
The issue of private vehicles for commercial use is a big one. It creates an uneven playing field. Those of us with commercial permits pay higher taxes and insurance. Why should others get to operate without the same rules? The guidelines need a rethink.
A
Ananya R
While I support fair wages, I hope any government intervention doesn't make cabs unaffordable for the middle class. The balance is tricky. Maybe the solution is tiered pricing based on vehicle type and city? The ministry should at least respond to their letter.
K
Karthik V
It's high time. These companies make crores while the drivers who are the backbone struggle. Surge pricing benefits the app, not the driver. A fixed minimum fare per km as per state rules is the only just way. Jantar Mantar is the right place to be heard.
M
Michael C
The threat of a nationwide protest in March shows how serious this is. 6300 organisations? That's a massive vote bank. The government should proactively include union leaders in talks. Ignoring gig workers is not an option in today's economy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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