Karnataka: Auto drivers adversely affected by lockdown

Auto drivers in Bengaluru, Karnataka are facing acute financial problems due to the COVID-19 lockdown, which was imposed on March 25.

As the coronavirus-induced lockdown continues, auto drivers are struggling to make ends meet.

Some auto drivers have applied for one-time compensation announced by the state government, but are unsure about getting it.

"Before lockdown, we used to get customers and earn enough, but now it's very hard to earn even Rs. 100 in a day. As the guidelines have been relaxed, we are doing our duty since 7 a.m. in the morning and have earned only Rs. 50. We can't even afford fuel for our auto now," said Kannan, an auto driver.

"We can't even sit at home as we have to look after the family. I used to be scolded by my family members. We have applied for one-time compensation announced by the state government, but don't know when it will be credited into my account or it will be credited to some other account," said Suresh, another auto driver.

( With inputs from ANI )