Eknath Shinde's Landmark Decision: Corporation for Rickshaw, Taxi Drivers In Maharashtra

It is widely known that Maharashtra's Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader, Eknath Shinde, comes from a hardworking background. Even today, he spends his free time at his farm, tending to cattle.

In his early days, Shinde drove a rickshaw to support his family. Over time, he rose through various ranks in public service as a Shiv Sainik, corporator, group leader, MLA, district chief, Opposition leader, minister, and finally, chief minister. However, his roots remain strongly connected to the grassroots.

Photo Credit: PTI

In the past two and a half years, Shinde has introduced numerous welfare schemes for the working and underprivileged sections of society. One revolutionary decision made by Shinde was to establish a corporation for rickshaw and taxi drivers, offering them insurance protection.

The population of those relying on driving taxis in Mumbai is substantial. Since auto-rickshaws are not permitted within Mumbai city limits, taxis serve as the main mode of transportation after BEST buses. This hardworking group lives hand-to-mouth. With advancing age, reduced vision, or an accident leading to disability, taxi drivers' families face severe hardships. Many do not invest in a good life insurance policy, nor are they inclined towards general insurance, resulting in lives fraught with risk.

Rickshaws as a Vital Resource in Rural Areas

Beyond Bandra in Mumbai, and in towns and villages throughout Maharashtra, rickshaws are a primary means of local transport. They connect citizens from bus or railway stations to their homes. In rural areas, where few families own vehicles, rickshaws play a crucial role for trips to distant places or even for emergency hospital visits.

Like Mumbai's taxi drivers, rural rickshaw drivers also lead challenging lives. With heightened competition and the increase in private vehicles, rickshaw drivers face significant challenges. Their families also struggle to find other employment opportunities. However, due to the lack of capital, rickshaw and taxi drivers find it difficult to secure a future for the next generation.

New Corporation to be Established

With the future of taxi drivers in mind, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has decided to set up a separate corporation for rickshaw and taxi drivers. A government order has been issued, detailing the corporation's structure, and ₹50 crores have been allocated for this purpose. The welfare board will serve millions of taxi drivers, and the state government aims to provide gratuity to them, for which rickshaw drivers will contribute ₹300 annually, while the government will cover part of the cost. Funding will be provided through the Industries, Mining, and Transport Departments.

Other Welfare Schemes

Rickshaw and taxi drivers' families will receive insurance coverage. A collaboration with Germany has been arranged to provide employment opportunities for their children. The corporation has also set aside ₹50,000 for immediate assistance in case of injury. The policy for healthcare coverage will be expanded, and a minimum calculation policy along with state government funds will be devised for these drivers. "These are hardworking people, and this is a government for the common people, which is why we introduced this scheme," the Chief Minister explained.

First Chief Minister to Take Decisive Action

Maharashtra has nearly 850,000 rickshaws and around 150,000 taxis. Despite many meetings and discussions in the past, no concrete decisions were ever made for the welfare of this group. Eknath Shinde has carefully considered their needs and taken decisive action, earning appreciation from rickshaw and taxi drivers.