AMARAVATI: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday launched YSR Vahana Mitra Phase II through a videoconference at his camp office in Tadepalli.

To signal the launch of the programme, a total of Rs 262 .49 crores have been credited into the accounts of the beneficiaries.

A total of 2,62,493 beneficiaries would get financial assistance of Rs 10,000 in Phase II. Addressing the drivers of auto-rickshaws, taxis and maxi-cabs on this occasion, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that the transport department has identified 37,756 beneficiaries additionally over the previous year.

The scheme provides an annual cash incentive of Rs 10,000 to drivers of autos, taxis, and maxi-cabs, who also own their vehicles.

According to the government, the beneficiaries of the scheme were supposed to be provided with this financial assistance of Rs 10,000 in the month of October. However, keep the coronavirus crisis in view, the government had decided to release the amount now, almost four months in advance.

The state government has also made taxi drivers, who bought new vehicles, eligible for the scheme. It announced those who acquired vehicle ownership rights in the period between 23 September 2019 and 16 May 2020 eligible for the scheme.

Ministers, MLAs, and officials have participated in the programme from different districts through video conference.