Airavatha Scheme helps SC-ST youth get own taxis

Hubballi: If everything goes as per plan, nearly 50 taxis, connected to app-based aggregator Ola, are expected to arrive in the twin cities soon. The cabs are likely to be a relief to many local residents, who are disgusted by the various methods of regular taxi and auto drivers. As the new taxis will be funded by the government itself through its Airavatha scheme, a social development project, they are expected to get mandatory support from local agencies like the police.
Speaking to TOI, R H Nayakar, district manager, Dr B R Ambedkar Development Corporation Limited, Dharward, said that 61 SC-ST youths have applied online seeking subsidy for cars under Airavata scheme. “The beneficiaries will be selected by our head office in Bengaluru as per available budget after police verification and after verifying applicant’s driving licence and other documents. The corporation will help each beneficiary with Rs five lakh each while the remaining amount shall be arranged by the beneficiary himself. If he wishes, we will assist him to get loans from banks,” he said.

“An orientation programme has also been organised for all applicants. The bank and Ola officials apprised the applicants about their norms. Earlier, SC-ST youths used to get subsidy for taxis from corporation but now they are also getting patronage assurance to get their taxis at least for three years,” he added.

He said the exact number of cars would be known only after due scrutiny of applicants in Bengaluru.

Lalit, Ola manager in Hubballi, said his company is eager to welcome more number of taxis funded by the social welfare department. “We have already entered into a memorandum of understanding with state government in this regard,” he added.

Ravi Kambale, an applicant who is already attached to an Ola taxi, owned by others, said his dream of becoming the owner of a car has been materialised. “But we are being assaulted by offline auto and taxi drivers at airport, railway station, old bus stand and other prime places. Police should provide due security to us. Otherwise it will become very difficult to pay our monthly installments of loans obtained by banks,” he said.

Sunil Nalavade, a regular user of Ola cab, said the menace of miscreants will be minimised atleast after government funded taxis enter into app-based taxi network.