Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Saturday announced that the State government will soon establish a welfare board for auto-rickshaw drivers to provide social security and welfare benefits.

Addressing leaders of the Hyderabad City Auto Drivers’ Associations JAC at a dinner meeting hosted at Praja Bhavan here, Mr. Bhatti said the government is committed to resolving the issues of auto drivers and transport workers with a humanitarian approach. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and SC Development Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar attended the event.

Mr. Bhatti said the government recently approved the increase of auto fare from ₹11 to ₹14 per kilometre after considering representations from drivers and discussing the issue in the Cabinet. He criticized the previous government for failing to address the concerns of auto drivers despite repeated protests over the past decade.

Stating that nearly 20 lakh families depend on the transport sector, the Deputy Chief Minister said the proposal for a welfare board has already been discussed in the Cabinet and will be implemented after completing the required legislative and funding processes. He also assured that other demands of auto workers would be examined and appropriate decisions taken.

The Deputy Chief Minister also announced that ₹200 crore has been allocated under the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam programme to support the transition from diesel-powered autos to battery-operated vehicles. The government is providing a subsidy of ₹1.5 lakh per auto and plans to encourage greater adoption of electric, solar-powered and CNG vehicles to promote cleaner urban transport. He praised Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar for actively pursuing the welfare of transport workers.