Tamil Nadu   

“Current trend unbearable”

N. Muthu, a rickshaw-puller.

Rickshaw pullers are yet another marginalised group finding the current trend unbearable. The cycle rickshaws are already a forgotten mode of transport. The poor patronage has pushed them to the wall and the hike in the prices of each and every commodity has further overburdened their economic management.

The hike in the prices of gasoline has proved a blessing in disguise for the cycle-rickshaw pullers.

Nowadays, people prefer cycle rickshaws to autos for reaching nearby places as they charge less. Even this support has not done much to improve their fiscal management.

S. Thangaraj (56) is attached to the Junction rickshaw stand for the past 25 years. He has imposed upon himself certain economic measures to fight the influence of inflation. He has reduced his intake of tea to a considerable extent.

“Due to poor patronage I could manage to earn only Rs.60 to Rs.80 a day. The price of meals has increased from Rs.15 to Rs.24. I have to go satisfied with ‘idlis’, a cheaper commodity. Many of us have almost forgotten rest. We have to work overtime to face the challenges of inflation to the extent possible, ” he says.

Muthu is a rickshaw puller for the past two decades and his meagre daily income of Rs.60 to Rs.80 is mostly spent to meet his food expenses. Often a third meal is a distant dream for him and his family members.

He says that rickshaw pullers also have to save some money for the proper maintenance of the vehicles.

Rickshaw pulling being a very hard job, they often develop leg and back aches. But we cannot go for good treatment and we continue to suffer the pain, many feel.

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