Posted 2/10/2024, 3:48:07 PM
Telangana Budget Struggles to Fund Popular Free Bus Scheme While Compensating Auto Drivers
- Congress government in Telangana struggling to fund "six guarantees" made during elections
- "Mahalakshmi scheme" provides free bus travel for women, was very popular
- Auto and cab drivers protested free bus scheme as threat to livelihoods
- Government paying Rs 12,000 per year to auto drivers as compensation for lost business
- Forced to maintain popular free bus scheme while compensating auto/cab drivers, pushing budget into deficit