Will sanction Rs 12,000 to autorickshaw drivers in budget, Minister Sridhar Babu on BRS criticism

HYDERABAD: Telangana IT Minister D Sridhar Babu has rejected the criticism of the BRS and said that the Congress Government is committed to the welfare of autorickshaw drivers.

Detailing the struggles of autorickshaw drivers during the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, Jangaon BRS MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy alleged that around 21 auto drivers had died by suicide since the inception of the free travel scheme in TSRTC buses for women. He demanded that the Government provide Rs 20 lakh as compensation to their kin.

“Due to free bus travel for women, 6.5 lakh auto drivers have been suffering. Only a few auto drivers own autos bur many take autos on rent for Rs 300 a day They have to spend Rs 200 on fuel. Besides, many have to pay the EMI for their autos. Now, they are unable to save anything for everyday expenses and are dying by suicide,” Palla Rajeshwar Reddy said.

Responding to this, Sridhar Babu stated that the State was committed to the welfare of auto drivers. He also questioned the BRS’ stance on the free travel scheme.

“We have promised to deliver Rs 12,000 to autorickshaw drivers anticipating slight issues due to the free travel scheme. We will deliver on that promise in the upcoming budget. We have vowed to deliver on the promises within 100 days. The BRS is misleading people,” he said.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar then targetted the BRS and questioned why didn't the party support autodrivers during its tenure in power.

“Have you ever helped auto drivers? Did you at least give Rs 1000 per month?” he asked.

Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya asked the BRS’ take on the free travel for women scheme.

“Are you in support or against the scheme? What is your issue with women travelling for free? You are just interested in rousing passions in people,” she said.

Clarifying the BRS’ stand on the scheme, MLA Sunitha Lakshma Reddy said that the party, while in support of the scheme, expected the Government to increase the number of buses and trips.

“Women and students are suffering because of the inadequacy of buses and the number of trips. Also, the Government should deliver Rs 2,500 to women per month as per its poll promise,” she said.