Thane: Around 28,000 auto-rickshaw drivers receive lockdown compensation of Rs 1500

Thane, June 7: Around 28,000 auto-rickshaw drivers received lockdown compensation of Rs 1500 across Thane district. Out of the 84,000 registered auto-rickshaw drivers, the Regional Transport Office of Thane region has compensated 33 percent of the permit holders.

The state government had announced a Rs 107-crore relief package to seven lakh auto-rickshaw drivers across the Maharashtra state. Drivers/owners with a valid permit will receive Rs 1,500 for the ‘Break the chain’ period (April 15-30).

Kamlesh Chavan, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, RTO, Thane confirmed about 84,000 registered permit holders across Thane district.

"Around 28,000 i.e 33 percent of them have received the amount. We have data of all these permit holders. They fill up the forms online on the portal. Accordingly, if the permit, bank account, Aadhar card and mobile number are linked the amount is directly transferred in their bank account," added Chavan explaining how the account will also be linked to personal information of the permit-holder, including permit number and vehicle registration number, to ensure the money is transferred to the right person," he added.

Chavan claims an Aadhar card linking centre has been opened at the RTO, Thane to help the permit holders, whose bank account and mobile is not linked. "We have also made a post office official to sit at the centre. He helps many permit holders open a zero balance bank account on an immediate basis," added Chavan.

Sources from the RTO, Thane claim many auto-rickshaw drivers are still not returning back from their hometown. "While, many who approach the office claim their account is minus over EMI due. Even if they proceed, the amount will be debited and will not be used for them," said an official, adding if one receives the amount he is informing another auto driver and mouth to mouth publicity is increasing the permit holder to go for it," added the official.