Struggling to make ends meet: Karnataka bike taxi ban hits six lakh riders hard
Bengaluru: Over six lakh bike taxi riders in Karnataka have been left in a state of deep uncertainty following a High Court directive to stop bike taxi operations in the state. With their primary source of income cut off, many riders now find themselves struggling to meet basic financial obligations.
Bike taxi riders are holding meetings to explore their next steps after nearly six lakh of them have been left jobless, according to the Bike Taxi Welfare Association. Many are now grappling with mounting financial pressures, Deccan Herald reported on Thursday.
Adhinarayana, president of the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, revealed that around 300 riders visit their office in HSR Layout each day seeking support. “We are constantly in touch with them, trying to find a way forward. Shifting to other daily wage jobs will mean we will earn less than before,” DH quoted him as saying.
While the association reportedly met Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy last month, there has been no tangible outcome. “The government has the power to frame rules but has not acted. This has affected both riders and commuters who relied on us,” Adhinarayana added.
Many of these riders have been part of the bike taxi industry since its early days. Shivananda, a native of Belagavi who moved to Bengaluru over a decade ago, has worked as a bike taxi rider since 2018. Before that, he earned Rs 12,000 per month working for a company. A brief stint in food delivery followed, where he earned about Rs 800 per day under demanding and erratic conditions. However, his income had nearly doubled as a bike taxi rider.
For others like Vinayaka, the situation is extremely dire. With no SSLC qualification, job options are extremely limited. “I’ve been sitting at home, desperately hoping something changes. I have to pay my vehicle's EMI, send money home, pay rent as well, but I am unable to manage now,” DH quoted him as saying.
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Australia add Steve Smith as replacement for Hazlewood in T20 World Cup squad
Pallekele (PTI): Senior Australia batter Steve Smith was on Monday approved as replacement for the injured pacer Josh Hazlewood, hours before his side's must-win T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka here.
Smith thus becomes the 15th member of the injury-hit Australia squad.
"Smith is named as a replacement for Hazlewood, who is now officially ruled out from participating in the tournament due to a calf injury. The team’s medical staff had hoped to have him fit in time to feature in the latter parts of the tournament but were unsuccessful," the ICC said in statement.
Smith had earlier been flown to Sri Lanka as cover for skipper Mitchell Marsh, who missed Australia's opening two matches due to a testicular injury.
The veteran batter trained with the squad on Sunday and is in contention to feature in the crucial clash.
Smith has not played a T20I since February last year but has been in good form in the format in domestic competitions.
In positive signs for the 2021 champions, Marsh too has returned to training. The skipper batted in the nets while also taking part in running and fielding drills on Sunday.
Australia’s World Cup campaign is hanging in the balance following their 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe, and they must beat Sri Lanka on Monday to avoid an early exit.
