Drivers say the promised compensation falls short of covering their ongoing losses and have demanded that the current unconditional implementation of the free bus travel scheme be changed so that only those “who need it” can receive the benefits.
Published Sep 13, 2025 | 10:31 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 13, 2025 | 10:31 AM
AP Auto drivers react to Auto Mithra
Synopsis: Auto drivers and unions in Andhra Pradesh say the Telugu Desam Party-led NDA government’s decision to provide them with annual financial assistance of ₹15,000 is welcome but inadequate. Drivers say the aid does little to offset their losses from the state’s free bus travel scheme for women and transgender persons, and have called for changes to ensure it benefits only those in need.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to extend an annual ₹15,000 financial assistance to auto-rickshaw drivers has drawn mixed reactions, with many describing it as welcome but temporary, doing little to address their long-term concerns, including the state’s free travel scheme.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu made the announcement on Thursday, 11 September, at the ruling National Democratic Alliance’s ‘Super Six Super Hit’ rally in Anantapur. He declared that every auto driver in the state would receive the assistance annually, framing it as part of the coalition’s welfare agenda.
Naidu stressed the role of auto-rickshaw drivers in ensuring daily mobility across towns and villages, adding that the aid was intended to reduce their burden and provide social security.
But unlike in neighbouring Telangana, where the promise of financial support to drivers was part of the Congress’ pre-poll manifesto, the TDP’s assurance follows discontent among auto drivers over the free bus travel scheme, which was launched on 15 August.
The scheme, announced earlier this year, offers free travel for women and transgender persons on state-run buses across the state. Auto drivers have alleged that since launch it has severely affected their earnings.
Even so, Naidu positioned the scheme as part of the “Super Six” promises announced at the TDP’s Mahanadu in 2023 and reiterated during the 2024 elections. He said the NDA had not only kept its word but had implemented all six promises, “proving critics wrong.”
The chief minister assured that the coalition government remains committed to sustaining welfare schemes and warned citizens against “false propaganda” aimed at misleading them about the delivery of promises.
Nevertheless, auto drivers remain unconvinced that the announcement addresses their long-term difficulties.
In Vijayawada, members of the Sri Hanuman Auto Owners and Drivers Union described the financial aid as timely but insufficient.
“The scheme is a good thing. During the polls, Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Lokesh assured us of assistance, and they seem to be making good on that promise. The ₹15,000 in support is a welcome move. However, it does not address our root concerns,” Anand Babu, who has been driving an auto for 15 years, told South First.
He demanded that the current unconditional implementation of the free bus travel scheme be withdrawn with the state only offering it to those “who need it”.
“We support the free bus scheme. Yet, we believe there needs to be some alterations to the policy. Those who are economically better off do not need the extra assistance. Ensure that it’s only those who need it that can become beneficiaries of the scheme,” he added.
Furthermore, Babu explained that most auto drivers are often relying on autos purchased on credit and the financial assistance that the state has offered cannot address their financial struggles.
“Most of us do not own our autos. We get them on finance and have to pay an EMI. Additionally, a large part of us are also breadwinners in single-income households. ₹15,000 may help us for a month. After that, we are back to struggling, more so now because of the free bus scheme,” he added.
In Eluru, members of the Sneha Auto Union, which has around 40 members, voiced similar concerns.
“Following the launch of the free bus scheme, some of our union’s drivers were mulling quitting the profession. However, the announcement of this assistance has given us some hope,” union president B Balaji told South First.
At the same time, he pointed out that the compensation falls short of covering their ongoing losses.
“₹15,000 is the average monthly income of most auto drivers in the state. An assistance of that amount makes up about a month of expenses or yearly maintenance money. It does not offset the losses we are incurring because of the [free bus travel] scheme,” he said.
“I think the government needs to look into this issue more and address the root issues. Until then, however, we are glad and thankful that the government has heard our cries.”
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
