Harish Rao praises auto drivers as brand ambassadors of Siddipet

As a gesture of solidarity for the welfare of auto-rickshaw drivers in Siddipet, Finance Minister T Harish Rao drove an auto in a driver’s uniform to the Siddipet Auto Credit Cooperative Society meeting.

Rao praised the drivers for their service and hailed them as brand ambassadors of Siddipet because they were taking every tourist safely to their destinations. Before the passenger gets out, the driver gives a brief overview of the town, providing a glimpse of Siddipet’s development. Before the ambulance arrives, it is sometimes the drivers who transport injured passengers to hospitals.

Addressing auto drivers and their families on the occasion of the Society’s fourth anniversary, Harish Rao said the society was increasing the credit limit to Rs.15,000 from the existing Rs.10,000, besides enhancing the marriage incentive to Rs.5,000 from the current Rs.3,500.

Rao, who made several announcements for the benefit of the auto driver community, stated that he would support the establishment of an exclusive petrol bunk for the auto driver society so that they could obtain petrol at slightly lower prices. He also assured a permanent building for the cooperative society in addition to setting up of an auto nagar for them.

Rao stated that until four years ago, auto drivers had to obtain loans from private money lenders at exorbitant interest rates, and that the Society had assisted the drivers consolidate financially during the last four years. The Minister also promised a prize money of Rs.25,000 for children of auto drivers if they scored 10 out of 10 GPA in the 10th class board examination.

MLC Farooq Hussain, Commissioner of Police N Swetha and others were present.