Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has introduced a new initiative to support autorickshaw and taxi drivers and owners in the state. The Maharashtra Autorickshaw and Taxi Drivers Owners Welfare Corporation will offer insurance and gratuity benefits to its members.

During a recent address, Shinde explained that the new corporation aims to provide financial aid and gratuity benefits to all autorickshaw and taxi drivers. Registered members will be eligible for Rs 50,000 in the event of an accident. The detailed policy outlining the corporation?s operations and benefits will be developed soon.

Additionally, the corporation will offer scholarships for the children of its members and support for higher education. The state government will also partner with the skill development department to further assist members. Retired drivers over the age of 60 will receive gratuity payments, funded by a corpus created with contributions from the industries and transport departments, as well as the government.

Drivers will need to contribute Rs 300 annually until they turn 60 to qualify for the gratuity benefits. Shinde noted that this initiative is unique and sets a new standard for government support.

Shinde also highlighted a self-employment program from the state Industries department, which includes a 35 percent subsidy. Furthermore, he pointed out job opportunities for drivers in Germany, where there are reportedly four lakh vacancies offering a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh. Eligible candidates for heavy and passenger vehicle positions can apply, as Maharashtra has signed an agreement with the German government to facilitate this employment opportunity.

This initiative by the Maharashtra government is designed to enhance the welfare and financial security of auto and taxi drivers, while also providing paths for skill development and international job opportunities.