Ahead of 2026-27 budget, auto and taxi drivers place key demands before Karnataka government

From banning illegal bike taxis to loan schemes, subsidies, housing quota and accident compensation, drivers submit a comprehensive charter of demands.

Ahead of the presentation of the 2026-27 Karnataka State Budget, auto and taxi drivers’ associations have submitted a detailed memorandum to the government, urging immediate action on a wide range of welfare and regulatory measures.

The drivers have strongly demanded a complete ban on illegal bike taxi operations, stating that such services severely impact their livelihood. They have urged the government to bring in a special ordinance to strictly enforce the ban and protect authorised auto and taxi drivers.

One of the major demands is the establishment of an Unorganised Drivers’ Development Corporation for auto, taxi, private bus, lorry, maxi cab, and goods vehicle drivers. The association said such a corporation would ensure structured welfare schemes and financial support for thousands of drivers across the state.

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To support unemployed individuals who depend on rental autos for income, the drivers have sought special loan schemes to help them purchase their own vehicles. They have also demanded that caste-based development corporations provide direct loans of up to 95 per cent under hypothecation for buying new auto-rickshaws.

With the growing push for green mobility, drivers have urged the government to announce a 50 per cent subsidy on new electric auto-rickshaws, which currently cost around ₹3.85 lakh, making them affordable for drivers.

Housing security is another key concern. The associations have asked the government to reserve a fixed percentage of houses under the Chief Minister’s Housing Scheme specifically for drivers and their families.

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In the interest of safety and social security, the memorandum demands ₹5 lakh as accident compensation to the family if a driver dies or is severely injured while on duty.

The drivers have also appealed for official recognition of their profession by declaring a ‘Drivers’ Day’. Additionally, they want the government to select at least 150 honest and senior drivers in Bengaluru every year and honour them with awards and a ₹25,000 cash prize.