Traffic fatalities in India are among the highest in the world. The government of Kolkata is trying to ban man-powered rickshaws in order to “upgrade” the city’s image. Drivers have protested against the degrading stereotypes with strikes, stating that rickshaws reduce congestion & pollution, are part of the city’s heritage and provide respectable jobs. They argue that businesses use them to move supplies and that many locals opt for this mode of transportation over cars. Licenses have not been renewed making the occupation illegal. Many drivers have to pay bribes to local police officers in order to stay in business.
