Mangaluru: Director (Administration) of Telimatrix For U, Prathap Hegde inaugurated Kudla Sauharada Sahakari (KSS), a co-operative of Dakshina Kannada District Autorickshaw Drivers Union by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries at Nasik B H Bangera community hall, Police lane here, on May 4.
Social Worker, U Mohan Chandra said, “There are more than 5000 rickshaw drivers in the city and I am sure this co-operative will be a success. Every union aims at being financially secure, the discussions at the meetings are only about rising prices and other difficulties but are not addressed. We only seek solutions from the government and fail to seek the answer within ourselves.”
He further said, “Co-operatives are not only to secure loans, but the main objective of the co-operative is to provide financial strength to the member in need in a matter of minutes.” Prathap also launched the logo of the co-operative and distributed share certificates to shareholders.
Speaking on the occasion, Prathap said, “The tri-wheel urban transport has made huge success only in India. It is cheaper when compared to the four-wheeler taxi. But it seems that the political leaders have failed to recognize this fact. Though there are co-operatives, they have failed to make a similar impact as AMUL.”
He said, “I think that this is the first time that a rickshaw drivers union has formed a co-operative in the entire nation.” Prathap also extended further financial assistance to the co-operative. He said that there is a need of innovativeness and suggested the use of technology similar to taxi booking apps like Ola and Uber to stay in the competition and make a profit. He also suggested the use of empty space on a rickshaw to display advertisements.
President of Janashakti Seva Trust, M Devdas, Ashok Kumar from Janata Autorickshaw Drivers Union, President of Bunder Workers Union, Wilson and Chief Secretary of Mangalore City Autorickshaw Drivers Association were also present.
