States » SouthPosted at: Jun 16 2025 2:08AM


Ban defeats gig welfare aim: Bike Taxi Union to CM

Bengaluru, June 15 (UNI) In a direct and emotional appeal to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Namma Bike Taxi Association has questioned the logic of the state’s gig worker welfare schemes in light of a looming crackdown on bike taxi services.
“What is the use of benefits if we are not even allowed to work?” the Association President Mohammed Salim asked in a letter submitted on Saturday.
The Association, representing over one lakh gig workers across Karnataka, urged the government to withdraw any move to impose a blanket ban on bike taxis. Referring to recent media reports that the State has no plans to regulate bike taxis and will soon begin treating them as illegal, the riders said this decision threatens their only means of survival.
“Bike taxis are not a side income for us – they are how we feed our families,” the letter stated.
The Association pointed out that many riders are students, daily-wage earners, and parents who work long hours in harsh conditions to make ends meet. “We work seven days a week, up to 12 hours a day, under the hot sun and heavy rain, to pay rent, school fees and medical bills,” they said.
While the government has announced measures such as social security rules, welfare boards and insurance for gig workers, the Association said these are hollow promises if the workers are stripped of their right to earn a living.
“Under your leadership, we had hope. Today, that hope is breaking,” the letter noted.
The Association also emphasised the crucial role bike taxis play in urban mobility, especially in areas underserved by buses.
Citing an annual volume of eight crore trips, the letter highlighted that thousands of passengers depend on bike taxis for quick, low-cost travel.
They acknowledged concerns raised by authorities regarding safety, helmet use, and accident risks. However, they criticised the Transport Department for choosing prohibition over regulation.
“Instead of banning us outright, bring in rules for training, licensing, and insurance, just like for autos and car taxis,” they said.
The riders expressed dismay over the previous rollback of an electric bike taxi scheme without consultation, warning that such abrupt decisions plunge thousands into economic insecurity.
The letter concluded with a strong plea for dialogue: “Don’t ban us overnight. Talk to us. Include us in finding a solution. We are part of the informal gig economy. We are your people. Please don’t ignore our voice.”
UNI BDN SS
Tags: #Ban defeats gig welfare aim: Bike Taxi Union to CM
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