From Monday (May 24, 2021), owners and drivers of paratransit vehicles like taxis, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, maxi cabs, etc. will start receiving one-time financial assistance of Rs.5000 each directly in their bank accounts, said Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot on Sunday.
The covid-19 induced lockdown has severely impacted auto and taxi drivers. The curfew announced by the Delhi Government in the wake of the second wave of covid-19 has left them with little to no revenue. They are struggling to make ends meet to afford essential commodities while being saddled with EMIs, rents, and loans.
Recognizing the struggle of paratransit vehicle drivers whose livelihood depends on daily earnings, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, on May 04, 2021, announced one-time financial assistance of Rs.5000 to all paratransit vehicle drivers, namely, auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw, Phat Phat Sewa, eco- friendy Sewa, Gramin Sewa, and maxi cabs among others. The scheme was approved by the Delhi Cabinet on May 14, 2021. This scheme is likely to benefit over 2.8 lakh paratransit vehicle badge owners and 1.9 lakh, permit holders.
The Delhi Government had provided similar financial assistance to the tune of Rs.78 crores, in April 2020, to paratransit drivers who had lost their livelihood during the first nationwide lockdown which benefitted as many as 1,56,350 paratransit vehicle badge holders and permit holders.
Individuals holding paratransit vehicle badges and permits are eligible to benefit under the one-time financial assistance scheme. Beneficiaries who had received Rs.5000 under the previous scheme shall not be required to reapply, and the amount will be credited to their bank account linked with their Aadhar. Individuals who did not receive financial assistance under the previous scheme will be required to apply and register for the same.
