The Delhi Government on Monday initiated the process of giving a one-time relief assistance package of Rs 5,000 for para-transit drivers (autorickshaw, e-rickshaw, Gramin Sewa etc) of Delhi.
This amount is being given to compensate for the losses they suffered due to the lockdown.
While the Government has received 1,60,000 lakh applications and the process is still going on, financial assistance has been given to 23,000 auto, e-rickshaw, gramin seva drivers and the verification of 20,000 forms are also being done who will get the money soon.
The Delhi Government has initiated transferring money to the bank accounts of these drivers.
“We have received 1,60,000 lakh lakh applications. Till today the Delhi government has given assistance to 23,000 auto, e-rickshaw, gramin seva drivers and the verification of 20,000 forms are also being done they will get the money soon. Only after checking the bank account details linked with the Aadhar card we are giving the assistance under Driver Benefit Scheme,” said Transport Minister of Delhi Kailash Gahlot.
The Delhi Government had announced that ‘One-time financial help of Rs 5,000’ will be given to the persons holding Public Service Badge and valid driving license of Para-Transit vehicles (i.e. Auto rickshaws, Taxis, Gramin Sewa, Phatphat Sewa, Maxi Cab, Eco-Friendly Sewa, E-Rickshaws and School Cabs etc,” Gahlot had said “Delhi
Government is committed to help our fellow public transport vehicle drivers like Auto, E- rickshaw, Taxi etc. in the extraordinary circumstances created by lockdown owing to Coronavirus. The process would be quick and the money would get transferred directly into their bank account. This will greatly help them in these times of distress.”
The passenger transport services in Delhi have been stopped to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The restrictions are in force since the announcement of the lockdown. Consequently, a large number of persons including the drivers of public service vehicles.
“Even before the announcement of the lockdown, my business got affected because people were not travelling by auto and preferring to travel by Ola and Uber due to the Coronavirus pandemic. After the announcement of lockdown, the business completely stopped and my family has no other income options. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is the only chief minister in India who has stood beside the auto drivers. I have received the money and this is a great help from the state Government at this time,” said one of the driver.