Union Minister of State for Rural Development Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar on Saturday likened Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership to that of an “experienced auto driver safely taking a family to its destination,” as he launched the State government’s “Auto Driverla Sevalo” (In the Service of Auto Drivers) welfare scheme in Guntur. The programme promises annual financial assistance of ₹15,000 to auto, maxi cab and motor cab drivers across Andhra Pradesh.

The Minister, clad in a khaki shirt, joined a massive rally of over 200 autos from TB Bungalow to the Revenue Kalyana Mandapam before inaugurating the scheme alongside local MLA Galla Madhavi. Dr. Pemmasani recalled that during the previous regime, drivers received ₹10,000 while simultaneously facing steep green tax charges and poor roads. “Now, Naidu’s government has reduced green tax to ₹3,000, rebuilt damaged roads and allocated ₹60,000 crore in the State budget for welfare,” he said.

Minister for Tourism Kandula Durgesh thanked the Chief Minister for extending relief to drivers, as free bus travel for women had impacted their income. MLA Galla Madhavi added that the aid recognised the “hard work of auto drivers who served people in facilitating easy transportation for short distances.”

In Guntur district alone, 13,193 drivers have benefited from the scheme. The beneficiaries include 5,078 from Guntur Urban, 1,338 from Tenali, 1,038 from Tadepalli Municipal Corporation, 711 from Pedakakani, 530 from Ponnuru, and hundreds from other mandals such as Chebrolu (453), Medikonduru (404), Tadikonda (440), and Thulluru (399). The event drew ministers, district officials, and civic leaders.

Published – October 04, 2025 03:18 pm IST