04 September,2026 12:47 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde launches the passenger transport driver-owner welfare board in Thane. File pic
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday launched the Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Saheb Passenger Transport Driver-Owner Welfare Board, announcing social security measures for auto-rickshaw and taxi driver-owners across the state.
Addressing an event in Thane, Shinde said the initiative was aimed at recognising the contribution of transport workers and providing greater financial and social security to people who depend on daily earnings.
Shinde announced a Retirement Honour Scheme for driver-owners who have completed 65 years of age. He said an honorarium of Rs 10,000 was being provided to eligible beneficiaries, with funds already deposited into the bank accounts of around 735 people who had submitted their bank details.
The remaining eligible beneficiaries will receive the amount in phases, he said.
Shinde said unlike employees in organised sectors, auto and taxi driver-owners generally do not have a fixed retirement age or assured post-retirement financial support. The new scheme, he said, was intended to acknowledge their contribution after years of work.
The welfare board will also provide life and disability insurance for drivers while on duty, health assistance and financial aid for injuries sustained during work.
Scholarships have also been announced for the children of driver-owners. Students securing at least 75 per cent in Class 10 will receive Rs 5,000, while those scoring 75 per cent in Class 12 will get Rs 7,000. Assistance will also be available for degree-level education based on academic performance.
Shinde said the measures cover the education, healthcare and future welfare of drivers and their families.
Shinde recalls COVID role of transport workers
The Deputy CM highlighted the role of auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying many risked their lives to transport patients to hospitals. He also recalled the contribution of women drivers through the Pink Rickshaw initiative in Thane.
He said transport workers often assist accident victims, elderly passengers, women and children, and should be recognised as important contributors to society.
Shinde also highlighted schemes launched during his tenure as chief minister, including the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and the Shasan Aplya Dari initiative. He said around five crore people benefited from the latter.
He also called for a renewed campaign to encourage Marathi learning among auto and taxi drivers, noting that around 1.65 lakh people had previously learned the language through 180 centres across Maharashtra.
Shinde said the government was committed to fulfilling its promises, citing the Rs 10,000 retirement honourarium as an example.
(With inputs from ANI)
