Vizianagaram auto drivers urged Andhra Government to implement welfare measures

Hundreds of auto drivers have urged the government to ensure compensation and implement welfare measures for them as their income was badly affected with the implementation of Stree Shakti scheme, a free bus facility for women in the State.

According to them, many women from rural areas used to travel on auto rickshaws to reach Vizianagaram and other towns of the district. The auto drivers used to get livelihood with the huge demand for autos from women travellers only.

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“Many women depended on autos for their travel needs as many of them did not have personal vehicles such as two-wheelers. A majority of them are unable to drive bikes even if families own them. That is why, they used to travel in autos regularly. Now, they stopped using autos with the availability of free bus service,” T. Krishna, a driver of Cantonment, Vizianagaram.

All India Trade Union Congress-Vizianagaram district General Secretary Bugata Ashok asked the government to establish an exclusive welfare board to protect the interests of the auto drivers. “The previous government used to give around ₹10,000 every year to each driver under Vahana Mitra scheme. The NDA government should revive the scheme and ensure financial assistance for them,” he added.

According to him, many auto drivers who bought vehicles under loan failed to pay EMIs in the first week of September to the banks with the huge drop in their income from August 15, 2025 when Stree Shakti scheme was launched in Vizianagaram and other parts of the State.

Indian National Trade Union Congress-Vizianagaram district president Modili Kaushik has also urged the government to protect the interests of the auto drivers. “Many graduates have become auto drivers in the absence of other job opportunities. They have invested huge personal amount and taken bank loans to buy the vehicles. The government’s welfare measure for women is good but it needs to protect the interests of the auto drivers who have to take care of their families too,” said Mr. Kaushik.