Telangana Auto, Cab Drivers Announce Indefinite Strike From August 24

A big group of drivers in the Indian state of Telangana — people who drive auto rickshaws, school vans and taxis — are upset with their state government.

They say the government made promises to help them but did not keep those promises.

The government started letting women ride public buses for free, and the drivers say fewer people needed their services after that.

The drivers are also worried the government will add electric auto rickshaws to the public bus system, which could take away more of their work.

So the drivers' unions have decided to stop working from August 24 until the government listens to their demands.

They want the government to start a welfare board for them and to give them the yearly money they were promised.

They also want a big accident insurance scheme to protect them.

They are asking for a ban on some bike services that use mobile apps and for fair prices for rides.

The drivers say they just want to earn enough money to live with dignity.