India, April 9 -- Autorickshaw and taxi drivers staged a protest outside the Andheri regional transport office (RTO) on Wednesday, alleging that the transport authorities are forcing them to sign up for welfare benefits.

Unions say drivers are unable to complete routine formalities at Mumbai's four RTOs unless they first cough up Rs.800 to sign up with the new welfare board announced recently. Those who refuse to pay up are unable to renew their vehicle fitness certification and vehicle permits. Calling it "extortion", union leaders say that signing up for welfare benefits must be optional.

Conceding the demand for welfare benefits, the state transport department recently announced the Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Saheb Maharashtra Autoricksh...