Covid-19 crisis: Delhi government to give Rs 5,000 to auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers; free ration for ration card holders

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on May 4 announced that the Delhi government will extend a financial help of Rs 5,000 to all the auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers as they have been the worst-hit due to the lockdown restrictions.

He said that the government has taken this decision to ensure that these drivers who belong to the unorganized sector don’t suffer a financial crunch because of the lockdown. The state government is aware of the negative impact lockdown has on the common man, daily wage workers, and people belonging to the base of the economic strata.

He declared that the government has made two very important decisions to support the poor section of the society.

Two key initiatives announced

Giving free ration for two months to 72 lakh ration cardholders

Providing a financial help of Rs 5,000 to all the auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers

CM said, that these announcements have been made keeping in mind the economically vulnerable section of the society, as they are the ones most affected by the lockdown. Since it is very challenging for them to even meet the basic need of food and essential supplies the government has decided that they will provide them with a free ration for a period of the next two months.

Kejriwal also said that the Delhi government had provided financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to each of 1.56 lakh auto and taxi drivers during last year’s lockdown and will do so again to help them.

Here is the full address of Kejriwal’s press conference, which the state head had tweeted earlier today: