Mumbai: Maharashtra’s Transport Minister, Pratap Sarnaik, has announced a one-time grant of Rs 10,000 to drivers aged 65 and above who have been registered for at least five years.
Minister Sarnaik highlighted that there are approximately 14,387 eligible auto rickshaw drivers who will benefit from this honorarium. Maharashtra has a staggering number of auto rickshaws and meter taxis, with an estimated 9-10 lakh drivers on the roads.
This initiative aims to honor and recognize the dedicated service of senior drivers in the state. The announcement was made during the first meeting of the Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Maharashtra Auto Rickshaw and Meter Taxi Driver Welfare Board, held in Mumbai on Thursday. T
he board, established on January 27, 2025, aims to provide social security and welfare schemes to the state’s large but unorganized sector of auto rickshaw and meter taxi drivers.
"The welfare board's establishment is designed to ensure drivers receive the benefits they deserve, and we will be implementing various welfare schemes for them in the future," Sarnaik said.
The Maharashtra government has allocated Rs 50 crore as a fund to kickstart the board's activities, which include various social security measures for drivers, such as health insurance, life insurance, and disability insurance. The board is also considering scholarship programs for the children of drivers.
Under the Retirement Honor Scheme, drivers over the age of 65 will be entitled to the Rs10,000 "Honorarium Fund" if they meet the set conditions. This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide retirement benefits and welfare support to the state's senior drivers.
To facilitate easy access to these benefits, drivers can join the welfare board by paying a Rs 500 registration fee and an annual contribution of Rs 300. Membership registration has been made convenient through an online portal that allows drivers to sign up via their mobile phones.
Additionally, Minister Sarnaik announced plans for annual award schemes that will recognize outstanding rickshaw and taxi drivers, exemplary driver organizations, and the best rickshaw stands. These awards aim to motivate and appreciate the hard work and commitment of the drivers.
The meeting was attended by key officials of state transport department, including Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimrao, and all members of the welfare board.