Auto drivers hold huge rally in Ongole demanding ₹30,000 under ‘Vahana Mitra’ scheme

Members of the All India Road Transport Workers Federation (AIRTWF), supported by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), participated in a massive autorickshaw rally from the CITU office to the Collectorate, in Ongole on Wednesday. They demanded the State government to support the auto drivers who have been suffering due to the free bus scheme ‘Stree Shakti’.

Speaking to the media, AIRTWF Prakasam district general secretary Gantanapalli Srinivasulu said, “The State government started the free bus travel scheme for women from August 15. We are not against it, but in this context, alternative employment opportunities should be provided to the auto drivers and ₹30,000 given to each auto driver a year under ‘Vahana Mitra’ scheme.

“Despite having educational qualifications, over 10 lakh people, either unemployed or without any income, have taken loans from private financiers to buy autorickshaws and support their families. They have to pay monthly instalments, while also educating their children. The State government has put a huge burden on them with the free bus travel scheme for women,” he said.

The AIRTWF leader demanded the State government to implement the promise given to auto drivers before the elections and continue the Vahana Mitra scheme, which was launched by the previous government. He also sought to reduce the import and export duties along with VAT imposed on diesel, as well as gas, which were increased by the Central and State governments.

Mr. Srinivasulu asked the coalition government to withdraw G.O. No. 21 brought by the YSRCP government in 2019, which levies several types of fees, penalties, and increased insurance premiums, causing serious hardship to the auto drivers. He further urged to sanction interest-free loans up to ₹4 lakh through the banks for the purchase of vehicles.