With unorganised sector in peril, auto drivers turn to vegetable vendors and delivery boys

After no major relief coming from the government for the unorganised sector in the lockdown the auto drivers and cab drivers have turned vegetable vendors and delivery boys. With income on a downward spiral and no financial stability to feed the family the rickshaw drivers are facing the heat of the lockdown.
Centre for Indian Trade Union (CITU) leader Meenkshi Sundaram said, “The government has to shell out 400-500 crore for the unorgainsed sector in the state so that lives can be saved. This is for their livelihoods. We have requested the government in the past to not only help the cab and auto drivers who have lost their livelihoods in the lockdown but the entire unorganised sector.”
Sadique Pasha, an auto driver has parked his vehicle at BTM for the past one month thinking about the day when the epidemic will be under control and he will get back to feed his family. He bought the rickshaw on loan last year.
“After the extension of the lockdown we are under huge pressure. The fees of the kids and everyday struggle to earn a minimum amount is a huge fight each day. Most of the drivers who are from districts and different parts of the state could not go back to their family. Even now there is uncertainty on the day when lockdown will be lifted. I sell vegetables in the evening near my house and earn a minimal amount. Most of us drivers were depended on street side food but that has also been shut down,” he sobbed while narrating the ordeal