Socio -Economic Conditions of Auto Drivers-with Special Reference to Mandya taluk : A Sociological Study

Transportation plays a fundamental role in our lives, allowing us to travel from place to another place and access goods and services. It is one of the most dominant elements of the infrastructure and economic development of a society. Transportation is the movement of people, goods and services from one point to another point. It plays a crucial role in the economic, social and cultural development of any city or country. Auto-rickshaws, a ubiquitous mode of public transportation in many Indian cities, play a significant role in the urban transport ecosystem. This study aims to provide insights into the socio-economic conditions of auto-rickshaw drivers, their challenges, and potential avenues for improvement. Auto-rickshaw drivers form an essential yet often marginalized segment of India's urban transportation workforce. Auto rickshaw driving activity is an important occupation of the informal sector, where a million of poor not only serve the transportation needs of the society but also try to meet out their own economic and employment needs of the society but also try to meet out their economic and employment needs. Economically, auto rickshaw drivers are one of the poorest of the poor in the society This research delves into the socio-economic conditions and challenges faced by auto-rickshaw drivers, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of their livelihoods. Through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, the study examines income disparities, working conditions, legal ambiguities, and social stigmas affecting this group. Preliminary findings highlight irregular income patterns, precarious working conditions, and the absence of legal protection. The study also uncovers the social stigma associated with the profession, impacting the mental wellbeing of auto-rickshaw drivers.