Madurai autorickshaw drivers petition Collector over income loss from ‘Vettri Payanam’ bus scheme
Autorickshaw drivers in Madurai are protesting the Tamil Nadu government’s ‘Vettri Payanam’ free bus scheme for women, claiming it has severely impacted their income and financial stability. They have petitioned the District Collector for a review, financial relief, and integration of their services to mitigate the economic distress.
Why it matters
This highlights the unintended economic consequences of public welfare schemes on informal sector workers, raising questions about equitable policy implementation and the need for comprehensive impact assessments to support all segments of society.
The Tholkappiyar Autorickshaw Drivers Welfare Association, representing over 100 auto drivers in the district, has raised concerns over severe economic distress stemming from the Tamil Nadu government’s ‘Vettri Payanam’ initiative, a no-fare bus travel for women.
While acknowledging the social intent behind expanding public transit access for women, drivers after submitting a petition with the District Collector Nishant Krishna here on Monday noted that the scheme had delivered an unintended blow to their daily earnings, particularly for those operating routes that run parallel to major bus corridors.
For drivers in Madurai, many with over 15 years of experience, autorickshaw driving is the sole source of income covering daily essentials such as food, rent, children’s education, and medical bills.
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