PANAJI
Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday distributed free ration kits to more than 200 rickshaw drivers operating in Panaji, Taleigao and the vicinity. AAP leaders Valmiki Naik and Cecille Rodrigues, along with Uma Volvoikar, Arvind Tendulkar, Sarfaraz Ankalgi, Dattaram Mainker, Shara Bhanu and others, coordinated the drive.
Naik said he visited various rickshaw stands to understand their issues and realised that the drivers are facing a calamitous situation due to the Covid and the lockdown.
“There is a steep increase in monthly expenses due to fuel hike, price rise. In addition, there are fixed costs such as EMIs, insurance, road tax. With markets, tourism, and shops completely closed down, there has been a drastic dip in customers. Many drivers are choosing to stay at home, as it has become unaffordable to even just come and wait at the rickshaw stands, as they would have to spend on fuel and a few cups of tea, but would not have even a single customer all day,” Naik said, adding that the drive today was a small first step to provide immediate relief.
