Amaravati: The Transport department is all set to invite applications from auto drivers who are eligible for the Rs 10,000 benefit scheme as promised earlier by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

The Transport department is making necessary arrangement to receive online applications through its portal which will begin from Tuesday. Eligible beneficiaries (Auto drivers, taxis) have also been identified for this purpose.

Minister for Transport, Information, and Public Relations, Perni Nani had earlier said that that Rs 400 Crore was allocated as part of the AP Budget for the benefit of auto drivers.

He said that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had closely seen their problems during his Padayatra and reminded that he had promised to provide them Rs 10,000 every year. True to his promise, YS Jagan had issued directions to the same during a cabinet meeting held recently.

The online applications received, will be sent to the respective District Collectors. The forms are then sent for verification to the Village/Ward Volunteers. After identifying the beneficiaries, the benefits would be distributed.

By the end of March 2019 it was estimated that 6.63 lakh autos, taxis were plying in the state, out of which 3.97 lakhs were owned by the drivers. By the fourth week of this month, a scrutiny would be conducted by MPDOs and Municipal Commissioners, who will select the eligible beneficiaries. The Rs 10,000 amount would be credited into their bank accounts and receipts would be issued by the Grama/Ward Volunteer.

With this amount, the auto drivers would be able to pay for the vehicle insurance, road tax and for minor repairs incurred.

For identifying these beneficiaries, a husband and wife would be treated as one unit. If both son and daughter are in the same field, they should be majors and unmarried only then would be treated as a unit.

Officials from the Transport department have said that they have made arrangements for 4 lakh people who would be paid the amount in the initial stage.

Also Read: Auto Drivers To Be Paid Rs 10,000 Per Annum As Dole: Perni Nani