On Wednesday, autorickshaw and taxi drivers in Mumbai protested outside the Andheri regional transport office (RTO), claiming they are being coerced into signing up for the newly established Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Saheb Maharashtra Autorickshaw and Metered Taxi Drivers Welfare Board. Drivers allege that they must pay a total of ₹800—₹500 as a one-time fee and ₹300 as an annual fee—before they can complete routine formalities, such as renewing vehicle fitness certifications and permits. Union leaders, including Shashank Sharad Rao, president of the Mumbai Auto Rickshaw Taximen’s Union, described this practice as extortion, arguing that welfare benefits should be voluntary and financially supported by the government. The state has allocated ₹50 crore for the welfare board, but drivers are concerned about the additional financial burden. The RTO, however, maintains that signing up is not mandatory and that there has been a misunderstanding regarding the process. The unions are demanding a dedicated window at RTOs for drivers interested in the welfare scheme, emphasizing that many cannot afford further expenses given the high costs of operating their vehicles.