Over 32,500 handcart pullers benefited in state

Social security being extended to handcart and rickshaw pullers

Families of handcart and rickshaw pullers in urban areas of the state are being extended benefits of social security, medical and education assistance under Mukhyamantri Haath-Thela Evam Rickshaw Chalak Kalyan Yojana. So far, benefits have been extended to 32 thousand 500 handcart pullers.

Abut 74 thousand handcart pullers have been surveyed in the state since year 2013 till date. Of these, benefits have been extended to 32 thousand 500 handcart pullers. Similarly, 14 thousand 648 urban cycle rickshaw pullers have also been surveyed for extension of benefits to them. Of these, 5,250 cycle rickshaw pullers are being provided social security benefits. Under the scheme, subsidy is also being provided to purchase cycle rickshaw and handcarts so that pullers become owners of cart or rickshaw. For subsidy, per unit cost of handcart has been fixed at Rs. 6000 and cycle rickshaw Rs. 10000. Beneficiary is given Rs. 2,500 subsidy on handcart and Rs. 3,500 on cycle rickshaw. Urban Administration & Development Department has directed urban bodies to accelerate pace of survey.