Latest news with #Kshirsagar
News18
an hour ago
- Business
- News18
Operators of app-based cabs suspend strike for three days
Mumbai, Jul 19 (PTI) The Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch on Saturday suspended the ongoing strike of drivers of app-based taxis in Mumbai and other cities of Maharashtra for three days. Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, president of the association, told PTI that the strike, which started on Wednesday, was being suspended till next Tuesday to give time to the Maharashtra government to respond to their demands. 'We have only suspended the strike, not called it off. If our demands are not accepted by Tuesday, services will be shut again," he said. At a meeting with the association's representatives, transport department officials sought time till Tuesday, said Kshirsagar. In the meantime, app-based cabs will charge the rate fixed by the government for the conventional black-and-yellow taxis and not the rate appearing in the apps of cab aggregators (such as Ola or Uber), he said. He also urged commuters and drivers to use a fare calculation website based on official government rates, to avoid overcharging. The Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch has demanded rationalisation of fares, bringing fares on par with those of the black-and-yellow metered cabs, prohibition of bike taxis, a cap on permits of black-and-yellow cabs and auto rickshaws, formation of a welfare board for drivers of app-based cabs and enactment of the `Maharashtra Gig Workers' Act' on the lines of other states. PTI KK KRK First Published: July 19, 2025, 23:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Non-disclosure of Sahyadri-Manipal deal sparks probe
Pune: The Manipal Group's acquisition of a majority stake in the Sahyadri Group of Hospitals continues to raise eyebrows. The joint charity commissioner of Pune division has initiated an inquiry against Sahyadri for non-disclosure of the deal. This comes shortly after the Pune Municipal Corporation sent two notices seeking an explanation from the hospital on the effect the deal might have on land ownership and health schemes coverage. Joint charity commissioner Rajni Kshirsagar said, 'Sahyadri hospital has not given us any information about the recent transaction. Based on the news reported in the media, we have started an investigation through an inspector two days ago. Further action will be taken after the investigation report comes.' TOI reached out to Sahyadri for comment and a response was awaited till going to press. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune The transaction between Sahyadri and Manipal covers all 11 hospitals run by the former, but only one, the Deccan Road branch, is a charitable trust and covered under the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950. Being a charitable hospital, it is entitled to multiple benefits under taxation. The management was bound to inform the joint charity commissioner's officer regarding any change in ownership or management of the hospital, which Kshirsagar said Sahyadri failed to do. Furthermore, a letter was sent by advocate Sushrut Kamble to the officer of joint charity commissioner, alleging multiple violations of rules in these transactions. In 1998, PMC leased a 23,000 sqft plot in Deccan to Konkan Mitra Mandal Medical Trust for a nominal fee of Re 1 per year, for 99 years, to provide affordable healthcare to the needy. The trust later built Sahyadri hospital on the plot. After news of the transaction came out, PMC's estate department and the health department issued a show cause notice, asking the hospital management for clarification on any changes in the ownership of the leased land and healthcare under various schemes. In a statement, Amitkumar Khatu, Sahyadri's chief legal and compliance officer, said the transfer of shares to Manipal Group will not affect patient service, management, or the organisation's values. Hospital's legal team meets civic chief Earlier in the day, the Sahyadri Group of Hospitals' legal team met with municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, as well as officials from PMC's health and estate departments. An official who attended the meeting, on the condition of anonymity, said, 'There was a meeting between PMC officials and the Sahyadri management. The issues raised by various media reports pertaining to the recent transaction were discussed. The legal head of the hospital gave verbal clarification that they will soon submit documents pertaining to questions raised about the transaction and other legal matters.' Pune Municipal Corporation had raised questions about the proposed deal and whether or not it would affect the current health services provided by the hospital for patients covered under various govt-run health insurance schemes. The civic body also raised questions about changes, if any, pertaining to the land ownership following the deal.
India Today
2 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Uber, Ola to remain off Mumbai streets as massive Azad Maidan rally planned today
The ongoing strike by drivers of app-based cab aggregators such as Ola and Uber is set to intensify in Maharashtra today, with protesters planning to gather at Mumbai's Azad Maidan. Cab services have been suspended across Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur since Wednesday, as drivers demand fare rationalisation to bring app-based rates in line with traditional black-and-yellow taxis, among other strike, now in its fourth day, has already caused significant disruptions for commuters, particularly at airports and railway stations, where long queues and extended waiting times have become routine. The protesters have held a round of discussions with the government, but failed to reach a cab drivers will stage a sit-in protest at Azad Maidan from Friday to escalate the agitation. No further talks have taken place with the government since the meeting with state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik at Mantralaya on Tuesday,' said a representative of the striking drivers, indicating a deadlock with no resolution in sight. The protest is being spearheaded by the Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch, which has raised several demands, including a ban on bike taxis, a cap on the number of black-and-yellow taxis and autorickshaws, and the creation of a welfare board for app-based drivers. The drivers are also pushing for the enactment of a 'Maharashtra Gig Workers' Act', inspired by similar laws in other states, to address the growing concerns over gig workers' rights and Kshirsagar, president of the Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch, said that nearly 70 per cent of app-based cabs have stayed off the roads, severely limiting ride availability and affecting daily commuter inconvenience, the strike has also raised safety concerns. Some citizens have reported that striking drivers are coercing their peers into joining the protest by stopping them from operating. The Chandivali Citizen Welfare Association shared an incident on social media showing cab drivers confronting a fellow driver who continued to work during the strike, fuelling debate over the ethics of protest and railway stations have been particularly affected, with limited alternative transport options. The Mumbai airport operator has advised passengers to make travel arrangements in advance and explore alternatives to avoid no progress in government negotiations, the agitation appears set to continue, and the impact on commuters is likely to worsen unless the drivers' demands are meaningfully addressed.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Mumbai
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Ola, Uber services hit by driver strike in Mumbai, commuters face disruptions; Mumbai Airport issues advisory
App-based cab services in the Mumbai metropolitan region continued to be disrupted for the third consecutive day on Thursday as drivers working with platforms such as Ola and Uber intensified their strike demanding fare revisions and better working conditions. Kiran Kshirsagar, president of the Maharashtra Gig Works Manch , said nearly 90% of app-based cabs were off the roads on Wednesday, reported PTI. The protest is aimed at pushing for a fare hike and better regulations for gig workers in the transport sector. The group had met Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik earlier this week, but Kshirsagar said the absence of a clear commitment prompted them to continue the agitation. Travel woes at Mumbai Airport Passengers travelling to and from Mumbai Airport faced major delays, with limited cab availability due to the ongoing strike. The airport authority posted a travel advisory on X (formerly Twitter), requesting passengers to arrange alternative transport and plan their travel accordingly. What are the drivers demanding? According to a PTI report, the Maharashtra Gig Works Manch has listed several key demands: Fare parity with conventional 'Black & Yellow' taxis (Rs 32/km for AC cabs)A ban on bike taxis operating through aggregator appsPermit caps for black-and-yellow taxis and auto-rickshawsFormation of a welfare board for gig-based transport workersIntroduction of a 'Maharashtra Gig Workers' Act' modeled on policies adopted by other states "The cab aggregators are charging hefty commissions while offering drivers as low as Rs 8 per km," said Kshirsagar, as quoted by PTI. As online cab bookings failed or showed long wait times, many commuters shifted to municipal buses operated by BEST, autorickshaws, or walked to nearby railway and metro stations to complete their journeys.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Ola, Uber services hit by driver strike in Mumbai, commuters face disruptions; Mumbai Airport issues advisory
App-based cab services in the Mumbai metropolitan region continued to be disrupted for the third consecutive day on Thursday as drivers working with platforms such as Ola and Uber intensified their strike demanding fare revisions and better working conditions. Kiran Kshirsagar, president of the Maharashtra Gig Works Manch, said nearly 90% of app-based cabs were off the roads on Wednesday, reported PTI. The protest is aimed at pushing for a fare hike and better regulations for gig workers in the transport sector. The group had met Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik earlier this week, but Kshirsagar said the absence of a clear commitment prompted them to continue the agitation. Travel woes at Mumbai Airport Passengers travelling to and from Mumbai Airport faced major delays, with limited cab availability due to the ongoing strike. The airport authority posted a travel advisory on X (formerly Twitter), requesting passengers to arrange alternative transport and plan their travel accordingly. — CSMIA_Official (@CSMIA_Official) What are the drivers demanding? According to a PTI report, the Maharashtra Gig Works Manch has listed several key demands: Fare parity with conventional 'Black & Yellow' taxis (Rs 32/km for AC cabs) A ban on bike taxis operating through aggregator apps Permit caps for black-and-yellow taxis and auto-rickshaws Formation of a welfare board for gig-based transport workers Introduction of a 'Maharashtra Gig Workers' Act' modeled on policies adopted by other states "The cab aggregators are charging hefty commissions while offering drivers as low as Rs 8 per km," said Kshirsagar, as quoted by PTI. As online cab bookings failed or showed long wait times, many commuters shifted to municipal buses operated by BEST, autorickshaws, or walked to nearby railway and metro stations to complete their journeys.
