Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde announced the set up of a corporation dedicated to the welfare of autorickshaw and taxi drivers and owners.
“The corporation is intended to offer financial assistance and gratuity benefits to all autorickshaw and taxi drivers in the state,” he stated.
Registered members will receive INR 50,000 in case of accidents, with a comprehensive policy to be developed soon, he added.
The corporation will additionally offer scholarships to the children of registered members and support for those pursuing higher education.
Shinde also mentioned that the state government will provide further assistance through the skill development department.
“Auto and taxi drivers who retire at over 60 will qualify for gratuity. A corpus fund, with contributions from the departments of industries and transport and the government, will be established,” Shinde stated.
Drivers will need to contribute INR 300 annually until the age of 60 to access gratuity benefits, he said.
Shinde emphasized that this decision is unprecedented, as no previous government has taken such an initiative.
The chief minister also discussed the state Industries department’s self-employment scheme, which provides a 35% subsidy.
Additionally, Shinde highlighted job opportunities in Germany, mentioning four lakh vacancies for drivers with a monthly salary of INR 3 lakh.
Eligible candidates for heavy and passenger vehicles can apply for these positions, following the state’s memorandum of understanding with the German government.
