Vahana Mitra: Rs 262 Cr deposited into 2,62,493 beneficiaries' accounts

Amaravati: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has released the YSR Vahana Mitra fund of Rs 10,000 to each of the beneficiaries four months in advance, on Thursday.

The amount was deposited into the bank accounts of the select beneficiaries to help them tide over the financial crisis being faced by them due to the Coronavirus lockdown. This gesture was appreciated by the beneficiaries during a video conference held at the CM’s ca,p office.

A total amount of Rs 262.49 crore was transferred to the accounts of 2,62,493 beneficiaries by the Chief Minister. The amount is meant to be spent for repairs and maintenance, obtaining fitness certificate and paying vehicle tax. The bankers cannot cut any amount from the money released by the government.

During 3,648-km Praja Sankalpa Yatra taken up the CM, auto and taxi drivers poured out their woes regarding the amount being paid for fitness certificates and the penalty of Rs 50 per day, which were cutting into their income.

In response to their plight, Jagan Mohan Reddy, at the eluru meeting in 2018, promised to give Rs 10,000 assistance to auto drivers-cum-owners and taxis. Last year, the Vahana Mitra moeny was released on October 4.

The CM also released the calendar of implementation of other welfare schemes.

On June 10, financial assistance will be given to barbers, dhobis and tailors while Nethanna Nestham funds will be sanctioned on June 17, Kapu Neshtam on June 24 and second tranche for MSMEs would be released on June 29.

Those missing out on the schemes can go to the respective village or ward secretariat where the list of beneficiaries and the eligibility criteria will be put on display. If any person, who is eligible but did not get the Vahana Mitra benefit, he can apply for the same, he said.

They can also use the Spandana platform to claim their benefit, if they are eligible and the amount would be credited into their accounts by July 4.

The Chief Minister appealed to the beneficiaries to use the money for the intended purpose but do not use it to buy alcohol and then drive their vehicles as it would put them as well as others in trouble.