Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on October 4 that the state government will launch a new ride-booking application for auto rickshaw drivers, similar to Uber and Rapido, according to a Deccan Herald report.
“The government will soon launch a dedicated ride-booking app for auto drivers, on the lines of Uber/Rapido. This app will bring bookings directly to drivers, ending the need to wait at auto stands. A control room will also be set up, and the revenue earned through the app will be spent solely on drivers’ welfare,” Naidu said.
The 75-year-old made these remarks at an event that launched the ‘Auto Drivers Sevalo’ scheme, which aims to benefit auto and maxi cab drivers in the southern Indian state.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Nara Lokesh, and Andhra Pradesh BJP State President PVN Madhav were also present at the event, held at Makineni Basavapunnaiah Stadium in Vijayawada’s Ajith Singh Nagar.
Notably, the state government credited Rs 436 crore into the accounts of 2,90,669 eligible auto rickshaw drivers under the scheme. The beneficiaries include 2,25,621 auto rickshaw drivers, 38,576 passenger vehicle drivers, 20,072 moto cab drivers, and 6,400 maxi cab drivers. Visakhapatnam topped the list with 22,955 beneficiaries.
Welfare Board And Green Tax Reduction For Auto Drivers
In addition to the ride-hailing app and monetary assistance, the Andhra Pradesh government announced the establishment of an Auto Drivers’ Welfare Board to safeguard drivers’ rights and improve their living standards.
The Naidu-led government also reduced the green tax imposed by the previous government from Rs 20,000 to Rs 3,000. Furthermore, the state government has set up a special grievance redressal system to resolve the problems that auto rickshaw drivers face.
Naidu also promised that the government would simplify the challan procedure and convert auto rickshaws into electric vehicles (EVs).
“In the past, autos were subjected to heavy fines. We will cancel unnecessary fine-related GOs, simplify the challan process, and also convert autos into EVs with government support,” the 75-year-old stated.
Elsewhere, Naidu highlighted that the government had focused on road repairs across Andhra Pradesh, ultimately benefiting auto rickshaw drivers in the long run. For context, Naidu said that the government repaired 23,000 kilometres of roads on a war-footing.
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Why It Matters
The ‘Auto Drivers Sevalo’ initiative reflects steps similar to those taken by the neighbouring Karnataka government. Karnataka passed its Gig Workers Bill in August this year, establishing a Welfare Board and Fund for gig workers employed at aggregator platform networks. The Minister in charge of Karnataka’s Labour Department serves as the chairperson for this Board.
Similarly, the Andhra Pradesh government has set up a Welfare Board, albeit only…
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