Image Courtesy: Reuters An official informed the media that the sum of Rs 108 crore has been allocated to provide Rs 1500 each as one-time relief amid coronavirus-induced restrictions to 7.20 lakh autorickshaw drivers in Maharashtra. The government notification on this was issued on May 7. The money will be deposited directly in the accounts of drivers who will have to upload permit badge vehicle and Aadhaar card details to be eligible for the relief package the official informed. Krishna Yadav Krishna Yadav an auto driver from Mumbais Kandivali area said “Government always announces such schemes but they remain in their books. For one and half years due to this lockdown auto drivers suffered a lack of job ask the government to provide the data of all those rickshaw pullers who have received aids.” In the wake of lockdown following the COVID-19 outbreak autorickshaw drivers in Maharashtra have not only been hit financially but also psychologically. Though they know the step has been initiated due to a medical emergency it is hard to make ends meet they say. Gopal Yadav Gopal Yadav an autorickshaw driver from Kalina Mumbai said “I have not used my autorickshaw since the day the second lockdown was announced. On a normal day the days earnings would be used for buying important commodities. But now I can only buy them in small amounts. I have two kids and old parents but dont have any support from anywhere to take care of family needs even if I receive this 1500 relief how can that take care of me?” Purab Mishra Purab Mishra who receives customers throughout the day normally says that “It is difficult for him to sit idle at home. “I spend time watching the television or doing some household work” he says adding he is already under stress due to his present financial condition. My wife is a maid but she is also out of work. Sunder Prajapati “I have a loan to refund. But now I have to borrow more money to feed my family” says Sunder Prajapati from Borivali station. “I need to work hard after the lockdown is lifted completely then only I will be able to earn enough to pay back the loan” Prajapati says. So far no autorickshaw drivers have received any aid or financial help from the state government the news is hitting headlines but the ground reality is completely different.

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