Delhi partially hit by shutdown

NEW DELHI - Delhi was partially affected by the nationwide strike called by nine central trade unions, as a stir called by 14 registered auto-rickshaw unions coincided with the agitation.

Several banks were working normally in the capital and there was no sign of any effect due to the strike. Police informed that no untoward incident was reported from any part of the capital, including the industrial areas of north and east Delhi, where the shutdown had its maximum impact.

“Around ten crore workers participated in the strike nationwide. Its a process and if required in future, our workers will again hold nationwide strike,” Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) general secretary Tapan Sen said.

The workers want a check on price rise of essential commodities, pro-active measures to protect employment in recession hit sectors, strict enforcement of all basic labour laws without exception, Rs.50,000 crore for an unorganised workers’ social security fund, and a halt to privatisation of central public sector enterprises.

Delhi residents faced some problem in commuting to their destinations as members of 14 auto-rickshaw unions were agitating to protest a government directive on driver badges. Areas like Nehru Place, Mayur Vihar, Green Park, Vasant Kunj, Trilokpuri and Seemapuri were severely affected.

Heavy rains in the evening added to the woes of the commuters who had to get into the packed buses to reach their homes. “I asked around 10 auto rickshaws but nobody seems to be interested in going to east Delhi. Having no option, I had to board a blue line bus,” said Aparna Singh, an executive working in an MNC in Nehru Place.