Maharashtra Govt Announces Rs 10,000 Grant for Senior Auto-Rickshaw & Taxi Drivers

Mumbai: In a significant welfare initiative, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has announced a one-time grant of Rs 10,000 for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers aged 65 and above. The announcement was made during the first meeting of the Dharamveer Anand Dighe Maharashtra Auto Rickshaw and Meter Taxi Drivers Welfare Board, chaired by Sarnaik.

The scheme is expected to benefit 14,387 eligible drivers across the state. To qualify for the grant, drivers must be registered with the welfare board for at least five years.

Maharashtra has approximately 9-10 lakh auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, many of whom operate in the unorganised sector without formal social security benefits. In an effort to support them, the state government has allocated Rs 50 crore to the welfare board.

More Welfare Initiatives for Drivers

Apart from the Retirement Honour Scheme, the welfare board is considering additional benefits such as health schemes, life and disability insurance, and a scholarship programme for drivers’ children.

Additionally, the minister announced an annual award programme to recognize outstanding rickshaw and taxi drivers, driver organisations, and rickshaw stands.

The Dharamveer Anand Dighe Maharashtra Auto Rickshaw and Meter Taxi Drivers Welfare Board was established on January 27 to mark the birth anniversary of Anand Dighe. The board aims to enhance social security and financial stability for drivers across the state.

This initiative is expected to provide much-needed financial relief and recognition to thousands of senior drivers who have dedicated their lives to public transport in Maharashtra.