Auto rickshaw drivers and their organisations across Pune are unhappy and strongly criticizing the state over High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) policy due to exorbitant charges compared to other states.

Auto union leader Keshav Kshirsagar, speaking to Free Press Journal, said, "The extra registration fees are an additional financial burden on struggling drivers. Currently, in Pune, approximately 1.5 lakh auto rickshaws are active on the road."

The cost of HSRP in Maharashtra is significantly higher than in neighboring states. In Goa, the fee for a two-wheeler is ₹155, while in Maharashtra, it is ₹450. Similarly, three-wheelers in Goa are charged ₹155, but in Maharashtra, the price soars to ₹500. For four-wheelers, the disparity is even greater, with Goa charging ₹203 and Maharashtra demanding ₹745.

Other states like Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab have also kept their HSRP fees lower than Maharashtra. "We have given a complaint letter to the RTO officials, but they have excuses, saying this is a government order, and they are just implementing it and are helpless," Kshirsagar added.

'We are going to stage a protest'

Nitin Pawar, General Secretary of Auto Rickshaw Sanghatana, speaking to FPJ, said, "The decision should have been taken after discussing with the required organizations. There are many organizations related to vehicles. The government had not approached any of them and finalized the decision, giving authority to particular four agencies to work on it. Many people lost their jobs. We are going to stage a protest in front of the RTO office on Friday."

Raju Pawar, an auto driver, alleged, “This is nothing but exploitation of common people and small vehicle owners. We auto drivers are already struggling with rising fuel prices and maintenance costs. Now, the government wants to extract more money from us under the pretext of security and changing number plates."

Mahesh Harde said, "If other states can charge lower fees, why is Maharashtra demanding such high amounts? This seems less like a charge and more like a tax imposed on poor drivers like us. This HSRP number plate initiative should be free of cost for auto rickshaw drivers."

Vicky More, another auto driver, highlighted, "We are not getting any special facilities from the government, and we have to struggle a lot for our survival. We are doing extra night shifts to fulfill our needs. This should be free for us."