Cars distribution to minorities soon

Nampally: As part of the state government scheme, 'Driver Empowerment Programme,' initiated to empower SC/ST/BC and minority drivers, the Telangana State Minorities Finance Corporation (TSMFC) will be distributing 67 cars, sanctioned in 2017-18, to beneficiaries, under its second phase.

During the year 2017-18, the state government issued orders for the implementation of the scheme for the benefit of 500 drivers in the state with subsidy amount of Rs 25 crore. It sanctioned 500 Maruti Swift Dzire Tour S vehicles for minority drivers in all the districts of the state. Of which, some 472 drivers were shortlisted. In the first phase, the corporation has distributed 342 vehicles, with the subsidy amount of Rs 15.19 crores under the scheme in 2018.

The distribution programme was part of the scheme, 'Driver Empowerment Programme,' conceptualized by the state government to empower the SC, ST, BC drivers, in collaboration with Uber, Maruti Motors and SBI. The programme includes skill enhancement of the drivers through Maruti Driving School (MDS), assistance for employment through Uber and financial assistance for vehicle purchase through SC, ST, BC &minority corporations.

According to officials, in the second phase, the TSMFC is organising adistribution program wherein 67 vehicles will be distributed to the drivers belonging to 22 districts in the state.

The minimum qualification for applying for this scheme is 8th class, but SSC pass/fail candidates will be given preference. It has an age limit of 21 to 40 years.The applicant should have valid LMV license issued by RTA. Preference shall be given to the candidates having LMV license with transport badge. The applicant should be interested to work with Uber in the city. Annual income of less than Rs 1.5 lakh (Rural areas) & Rs 2 lakh (Urban areas) is the criteria.

The registration started on February 15, 2017. A total of 3,080 drivers from minority community applied online through OBMMS web Portal. After the screening process, some 1,021 were shortlisted. Ranking was given by the Transport Department relying on five parameters:age, driving experience, commercial driving experience, educational qualification and interview score.

Minister for SC Development, Tribal, BC, Minority, and Disabled& Senior Citizens Welfare Koppula Eshwar is likely to be the chief guest and Syed Akbar Hussain, the Chairman of TSMFC, to preside over the function. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy, Home Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali and other VIPs are likely to be the guests of honour and special invitees at the event.