When YSR Congress party president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy was in power, he launched an interesting scheme “YSR Vahana Mitra” for auto drivers with effect from June 1, 2021.
In this scheme, the government provided financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per annum to self-owned auto/taxi drivers for expenditure towards insurance, fitness certificate, repairs, and other requirements.
The objective of the scheme is to increase income and reduce the expenses of taxi repair by providing financial assistance to financially weak taxi drivers.
After Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government headed by N Chandrababu Naidu was formed in June 2024, it has done away with the scheme.
But now, there are reports that he is under pressure to revive the Jagan’s scheme, albeit with some changes under a different name.
Reason: the auto drivers are strongly protesting the latest welfare scheme rolled by Naidu – Shtree Shakti – providing free travel for women in APSRTC buses with effect from Friday, coinciding with the Independence Day.
Over 20 million women across the state are expected to benefit. Free travel will be available on five categories of buses for journeys between any two points.
However, the scheme is set to severely impact auto-rickshaw drivers, whose livelihoods have already been strained by declining passengers due to rising private vehicle ownership.
With women now able to travel free on RTC buses, auto drivers fear further loss of business. Many are awaiting compensation promised earlier by the government.
Sources said Naidu has already discussed with officials measures to support those losing income due to the free bus scheme.
Plans are being made for a compensation programme for auto drivers, possibly integrated with central government welfare schemes.
But with the scheme starting on Friday, and no official announcement yet on aid for auto drivers, anxiety is growing.
Auto driver unions across cities and towns are urging the government to act quickly.
