Andhra Pradesh government is contemplating the launch of an in-house app especially designed to empower the auto drivers of the state.

AP’s chief minister Mr Chandrababu Naidu announced the new government app on the lines of Ola-Uber for auto drivers in Andhra Pradesh during the launch of the Auto Driver Sevalo event today in Vijayawada.

He announced that the state government will launch a new ride booking app, similar to Rapido and Uber aimed at empowering auto drivers across Andhra Pradesh.

Alongside the app, he also assured that an Auto Drivers Welfare Board will soon be established to safeguard their rights.

Mr Naidu unveiled the Auto Driver Sevalo scheme crediting Rs 15,000 each to 2.90 Lakh beneficiaries.

The state government has allotted Rs 436 crore towards the Auto Drivers Sevalo scheme. He informed that while the previous government distributed Rs 10,000 each to 2,61,516 auto drivers by spending Rs 261.51 crore, the NDA government is spending Rs 436 crore to benefit 2.90 lakh auto drivers.

The beneficiaries include 2,25,621 autorickshaw drivers, 38,576 passenger vehicle drivers, 20, 072 moto cab drivers, and 6,400 maxi cab drivers.

Visakhapatnam tops the list with the highest number of beneficiaries—22,955 auto drivers.

The state government is implementing the scheme to support auto drivers and cab drivers financially.

In addition, the state government has reduced the green tax imposed by the previous government from Rs 20,000 to Rs 3,000.

A special grievance redressal system has been set up to resolve issues faced by auto drivers in receiving the amount.

Speaking at the event, IT Minister Mr Nara Lokesh said: “Auto drivers greet everyone with a smile despite the struggles they face at home. From village-level discussions to national politics, it is auto drivers who keep society engaged.

I often read the quotes written on autos — they reflect the drivers’ hearts and minds. Even if a passenger forgets their belongings, auto drivers hand them over to the police. No matter how many problems they have, they continue to welcome people warmly.”

Pledging the coalition’s continued commitment to the working class, State Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and MLA from Gajuwaka, Mr Palla Srinivasa Rao said: “As long as this government is in office, no labourer or daily-wage family shall be left in despair.

Schemes like ‘In the Service of Auto Drivers’ are a testament to the foresight and compassion of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, and to the coalition’s steadfast commitment to people-centric governance”.

Deputy Chief Minister Mr Pawan Kalyan, along with BJP state president Mr PVN Madhav and other senior officials participated in the programme.