Delhi govt warns auto unions against going on strike

NEW DELHI: Delhi Government today warned various auto-rickshaw unions not to go ahead with their proposed strike tomorrow demanding hike in fares, saying it punitive action may be taken against those who participate in the protest.

Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely said a majority of auto-rickshaw unions have conveyed to the government their decision not to participate in the strike.

Lovely said the unions which have given the strike call did not intimate the government about their planned strike and government reserves the right to take action against them for causing inconvenience to the people.

"Punitive action may follow against those who participate in the strike," Lovely said. When asked what could be the punitive action, he said the it may include cancellation of the permit also.

A number of auto-rickshaw unions annouced to go on strike demanding hike in fares on the grounds of increasing prices of CNG, the fuel used to run the auto-rickshaws.

Presenting the budget on Monday, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had proposed to levy a five per cent VAT on CNG which will push the price of the fuel from Rs 35.45 per kg to 37.20 per kg.