The Auto Mitra Scheme is a welfare initiative announced by the Andhra Pradesh state government to provide direct financial assistance to self-employed auto-rickshaw, taxi and maxi-cab drivers who own and operate their vehicles. The announcement by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on 11 September 2025 declared that eligible drivers will receive ₹15,000 each as annual financial support. This scheme is being positioned as a “Dussehra gift” for auto drivers and a support mechanism in light of rising operating costs and income pressures.
Background & Rationale
Auto and taxi drivers face significant financial burdens: vehicle maintenance, insurance, fitness certification, fuel/operating costs and sometimes loan repayments. The earlier scheme, YSR Vahana Mitra, provided some relief, offering approximately ₹10,000 annually to eligible drivers.
With inflation, rising vehicle maintenance costs, and challenges such as the free-bus travel scheme for women which reportedly impacted revenues of auto drivers, the government felt compelled to revise and enhance support.
Hence, the Auto Mitra (or the relaunched version of Vahana Mitra) was introduced to address these pressing needs and extend better support.
Chandranna Pelli Kanuka Scheme 2025: Eligibility, Amount, Application & Status Check
Key Features of the Scheme
- Annual financial assistance of ₹15,000 per eligible vehicle/driver.
- Coverage: auto-rickshaw drivers, motor-cab and maxi-cab drivers who own and operate the vehicle themselves
- Funds will be transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the beneficiary’s bank account.
- The scheme launch/disbursement aligns with the Dussehra festival period — around early October 2025.
- Only one vehicle/benefit per household/family.
- The scheme builds on and updates the earlier YSR Vahana Mitra guidelines.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Auto Mitra Scheme, the following key eligibility criteria must typically be satisfied:
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Andhra Pradesh.
- The applicant must own and drive their auto-rickshaw, motor cab or maxi cab vehicle. Leasing/rented out vehicles are not eligible.
- Vehicle must be registered in Andhra Pradesh, the driving licence must be valid and in the applicant’s name (or family) as required.
- The applicant should possess a valid ration card (often white card / BPL card) and Aadhaar details must be linked.
- The household should not have excessive assets or large landholdings; and only one benefit per household is allowed.
- The vehicle should have no pending traffic fines/challans and must be operational.
It’s important to check the most recent Government Order or notification for final details as criteria can changesBenefits & Assistance Amount
Under the Auto Mitra Scheme:
- Each eligible auto/ cab driver will receive ₹15,000 per annum.
- The amount is meant to help cover insurance, fitness certificate renewal, vehicle servicing/repairs, and other maintenance costs.
- For the 2025-26 rollout, approximately 2.9 lakh (i.e., 290,000) drivers are estimated to benefit.
- A budget allocation of around ₹435–₹436 crores has been reported for this purpose.
This is a significant uplift from the earlier ₹10,000 annual assistance under the previous scheme.
Application Process: How to Apply
Here is a step-by-step overview of how interested drivers can apply:
- The state government opened registration for new beneficiaries in September 2025. For example, registration started on 17 September and the last date was shown in some sources as 19 September.
- Existing beneficiaries (registered under previous years) may not need to apply again, only e-verify their details.
- Visit the official Beneficiary Management portal – for example, the GSWS (Government of Andhra Pradesh) “NBM” portal for application status and scheme registration.
- Applications can also be supported through Village/Ward Secretariats and MeeSeva centres for those who prefer offline/assisted filing.
- After submission, the application will be reviewed; field verification may be conducted. Once cleared, funds will be disbursed by early October (for 2025 rollout).
Documents Required
Applicants typically need to submit/upload the following documents:
- Aadhaar card (mandatory) and mobile number linked.
- Driving licence (valid and in the name of applicant or family, as specified).
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) of the auto/ taxi/ maxi cab.
- Ration card (White card / BPL card / equivalent) or proof of economically weaker status as per scheme guidelines.
- Bank account details (for DBT).
- Possibly vehicle insurance/fitness certificates or proof of no pending challans (depending on guidance).
- Any other documents as per local verification (asset declaration, household status etc).
An official PDF of the older YSR Vahana Mitra application form is available, which gives a clear idea of the fields required.
Implementation & Verification
Once applications are submitted, the process of implementation includes:
- Verification of the applicant’s identity, vehicle ownership and eligibility status.
- Field inspection/verification by Village/Ward Secretariat or designated officers.
- Preparation of the beneficiary list and outcomes communicated to the Transport Department and GSWS portal.
- Disbursal of funds via DBT into beneficiary bank accounts (target from early October for 2025).
- Checking of application/beneficiary/payment status via the portal, using Aadhaar or application number.
Implementation efficiency is critical to ensure drivers receive timely support.
Impact & Current Status
- The announcement estimates 2.9 lakh drivers to benefit in 2025 under this scheme.
- The uplift in financial assistance from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per annum is expected to provide more meaningful relief in a high-cost environment.
- Media reports indicate that the scheme came as a response to pressures from auto associations and changes in the transport ecosystem (e.g., free bus travel for women) which affected driver incomes.
- The budget allocation (~₹435-₹436 crores) shows the government’s commitment to this segment.
However, some reports express scepticism or note that implementation challenges remain (e.g., awareness, verification delays).
Challenges & Issues
While the scheme is well-intentioned, some potential or actual issues include:
- Drivers may face difficulty completing documentation or verification (especially in remote or rural areas).
- Ensuring that the right beneficiaries are covered and there is no duplication or misuse.
- Ensuring disbursement happens timely and banking details are correct; small errors can delay payments.
- Monitoring that the funds are used for the intended purpose (vehicle insurance/maintenance) and not diverted.
- Ensuring new applicants who were not covered previously are identified and included.
- Changes in eligibility criteria or asset thresholds may cause confusion among aspirants.
Addressing these challenges will be important for the success and acceptance of the scheme.
Comparison with Other Similar Schemes
- Under the earlier YSR Vahana Mitra scheme launched ~2021 onward, the assistance amount was ₹10,000 per annum for auto/taxi drivers.
- The earlier scheme had more limited budget and perhaps fewer beneficiaries; this current scheme raises the amount to ₹15,000 and expands reach.
- The current version also emphasizes the DBT model and a larger number of beneficiaries (2.9 lakh).
- Compared to schemes in other states or central government initiatives (if any), the Auto Mitra in Andhra Pradesh is specifically targeted to auto/taxi/mini-cab owners and aims to address vehicle-ownership related costs rather than general income support.
- Given rising inflation and vehicle maintenance cost escalations, the increase in amount is significant and indicates administrative responsiveness.
Conclusion & What to Do Next
In summary, the Auto Mitra Scheme offers a timely and helpful boost to transport vehicle owners (auto/taxi/ maxi-cab drivers) in Andhra Pradesh. With an annual benefit of ₹15,000, DBT disbursement, and simplified application mechanisms, it stands as a solid welfare measure to support vehicle-based livelihoods.
If you are eligible (own and drive your vehicle, meet the criteria, have documentation ready), you should act promptly: check your eligibility, gather documents, visit your Village/Ward Secretariat or MeeSeva centre, or log in to the GSWS portal when application windows open.
Even if you have applied in previous years, ensure your details are updated and verified so you continue to receive benefits seamlessly.
Stay informed via the official beneficiary portal and keep your bank details, Aadhaar and vehicle documents up to date. The scheme could make a meaningful difference in your cost burden and livelihood.
FAQs
Q1. Is the benefit ₹10,000 or ₹15,000?
A. For the 2025-26 version of the scheme the announced benefit is ₹15,000 per annum per eligible driver.
Q2. When will the application period be?
A. In 2025, new registration opened around 17 September, with field verification by late September and disbursal targeted in early October.
Q3. How can I check if I am in the beneficiary list or check my payment status?
A. Visit the GSWS-NBM portal (https://gsws-nbm.ap.gov.in), select the scheme “Financial Assistance to Auto & Maxi Cab Owners”, select year, enter Aadhaar number, get OTP and view the status.
Q4. Do I need to apply again if I was a beneficiary previously?
A. If you were an existing beneficiary, in many cases only e-verification is required. New applicants need to apply.
Q5. What happens if my name is not in the list though I meet eligibility?
A. You should check that your documents were submitted correctly, ensure your bank & Aadhaar linkage is correct, and approach the local Secretariat/portal grievance redressal.