Auto Driverla Sevalo Scheme: The Andhra Pradesh government is launching the “Auto Driverla Sevalo” scheme, which will provide annual financial assistance to millions of auto and cab drivers. Let’s explore the government’s funding and the purpose of this scheme.
Auto Driverla Sevalo Scheme: The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a new scheme for auto, cab, and maxi-cab drivers. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will launch a new scheme called “Auto Driverla Sevalo” on Saturday. Under this scheme, more than 2.9 lakh auto and cab drivers in the state will receive financial assistance of ₹15,000 per year.
Who will benefit?
The scheme will be inaugurated in the Vijayawada Central constituency. It covers drivers of autorickshaws, motor cabs, and maxi cabs. The government has clarified that no eligible driver will be excluded from this benefit.
Amount, How Many People?
The government has identified more than 2.9 lakh beneficiaries and has allocated a budget of ₹436 crore. This money will be transferred directly to the drivers’ bank accounts. According to officials, the current scheme covers over 2.2 lakh auto drivers, 39,000 three-wheeler drivers, 20,000 motor cab drivers and 6,400 maxi cab drivers. Of these, Visakhapatnam district alone will have around 23,000 beneficiaries.
Comparison with the Previous Government
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated that the previous Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government provided ₹10,000 annually to 2.6 lakh drivers, at a cost of ₹261 crore. The NDA government has not only increased the number of beneficiaries but also increased the amount of assistance by 50%.
Balancing the Stree Shakti Scheme
Naidu stated that this scheme was introduced to offset the impact of the recently launched ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme, which provides free bus travel to women. This could have affected the income of auto drivers.
Tax Relief and Road Improvements
The government has reduced the green tax on old vehicles from ₹20,000 to ₹3,000. Additionally, ₹1,000 crore has been spent on road repairs to provide better facilities to drivers.
WhatsApp system for complaints
The government has also ensured that no eligible driver is left out of the scheme. A WhatsApp-based complaint redressal system has been launched.
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