With Karnataka at a standstill, taxi drivers dread EMIs
The Hindu
Unions want State government to persuade financial institutions to postpone EMI collection for vehicle loans and relax taxes for at least six months
For the last two days, taxi driver Kiran Kumar B.M. has been living in his car near his village at his native place, Bevinahalli, in Mandya district. He left Bengaluru earlier this week when the Karnataka government extended the lockdown by 14 days, but has not got his RT-PCR test report. Until then, he intends to live in his car. “Only if it is negative will I join my family members, as there are children in the house,” he said. The number of taxis and autos on the city’s roads has reduced noticeably, as many drivers, no longer able to earn a livelihood, have packed their bags and left Bengaluru. Even before the lockdown, their earnings had taken a hit. “In Bengaluru, my rent was ₹3,500, my car EMI was ₹15,500 and I relied on hotels for food. There were other expenses too. How can I survive in the city if I don’t earn money?” Mr. Kumar added.More Related News