Kejriwal announces Rs 10L insurance for auto drivers

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, AAP national convener and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced several guarantees for auto-rickshaw drivers in the city.

Addressing a gathering in New Kondli, Kejriwal said enduring bond between AAP and auto drivers was pivotal in the party’s initial electoral success.

Kejriwal announced a life insurance policy of Rs 10 lakh and accident insurance of Rs 5 lakh for each auto driver. He also promised Rs 1 lakh financial aid for marriage of their daughters and Rs 2,500 twice a year to purchase school uniform. He also assured the auto drivers of bearing the cost of coaching for their children preparing for competitive exams. Kejriwal also announced to revive ‘PoochO’ app for auto drivers.

Kejriwal, who was accompanied by his wife Sunita Kejriwal, visited the residence of Navneet Singh, an auto driver from New Kondli, and had dinner with them.

Kejriwal said: “On the invitation of an auto driver brother Navneet from Delhi, I went to his house for dinner. I met his family members and they gave me a lot of love and respect. It made me feel as if I was with my own family.”

He said his bond with Delhi’s auto drivers was very old. “I still remember when our party was newly formed and the Congress Government was in power, auto drivers were often criticised and looked down on. They were accused of not using meters, being rude and looting passengers,” Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal highlighted his government’s previous efforts to uplift auto drivers, noting that fee for Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) and SIM cards was waived.

The former Chief Minister also appealed to auto drivers to campaign for AAP in the upcoming elections. “An auto driver ferries 10-15 passengers in a day. If each driver convinces 10-15 passengers to vote for AAP, it will make a significant impact,” he said.