Hyderabad: BRS State General Secretary Dr. R.S. Praveen Kumar has strongly criticised the Revanth Reddy-led Telangana government over the permissions granted to Green SM, alleging that the move could severely affect the livelihoods of nearly six lakh auto and cab drivers across the state.Addressing the media, Dr. Praveen Kumar alleged that the government had allowed the Vietnam-based Green SM company to enter the Hyderabad market without adequately assessing its impact on local transport operators. He claimed that the decision was taken without proper consultations with driver associations and accused the government of prioritising financial interests over the welfare of local drivers.
He clarified that the BRS was not opposed to the free bus travel scheme for women or foreign investments in Telangana. He recalled that during the previous BRS government, under the leadership of former IT Minister K.T. Rama Rao, several foreign investments were brought into the state without adversely affecting the livelihoods of local communities.
Dr. Praveen Kumar warned that the entry of Green SM could create serious competition for existing auto and cab drivers, many of whom have purchased vehicles through bank loans and pledged gold, while struggling to pay monthly EMIs and interest. He said drivers were already facing difficulties due to declining bookings through platforms such as Rapido, Ola and Uber.
Demand for Cab Fare Regulation
The BRS leader demanded that the government immediately announce an official rate card for cab drivers. He questioned how Green SM had fixed its proposed fare at just ₹8 per kilometre and demanded transparency regarding the company’s aggregator licence.
Referring to the existing auto fare structure under Government Order 46, he stated that auto drivers are permitted to charge ₹30 for the first 1.4 kilometres and ₹14 for every additional kilometre, along with waiting charges of 75 paise. However, he alleged that cab drivers do not have a comparable government-approved fare structure.
He demanded that the government release the official note file explaining how Green SM received its aggregator licence and how its pricing structure was approved.
Questions Over Driver Welfare and Working Conditions
Dr. Praveen Kumar raised concerns over Green SM’s slogan, “Don’t Be a Driver, Be a Partner.” He alleged that the partnership model could be designed to avoid providing drivers with employment-related benefits such as Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) and insurance coverage.
He questioned the company’s offer of ₹8,000 per week, stating that drivers would reportedly need to operate their vehicles for 500 kilometres to qualify. He also raised concerns about penalties for scratches and damage to vehicles, as well as cameras installed inside vehicles, which he said could raise passenger privacy concerns.
He described the promotional offers being extended to passengers as potentially misleading and questioned the long-term impact of the company’s pricing strategy on local transport businesses.
Criticism Over Government Schemes and Driver Welfare
The BRS leader also criticised the state government over the implementation of welfare measures for auto drivers. He alleged that the Mahalakshmi free bus travel scheme had adversely affected auto drivers and claimed that around 300 drivers had died by suicide.
He further alleged that promises of ₹10 lakh insurance coverage for auto drivers and monthly financial assistance of ₹12,000 had not been fulfilled. He also questioned the government’s failure to provide adequate employment opportunities and implement its promised job calendar.
Referring to the previous government’s insurance support for drivers, he alleged that even existing benefits had not been properly continued after the change in government.
Demands Transparency Over Green SM Entry
Dr. Praveen Kumar alleged that Green SM representatives had secured approvals through political influence and questioned why a foreign company was being given an opportunity at the expense of local transport operators.
He also raised concerns about allowing a Vietnam-based company to operate in Telangana while local platforms and transport businesses were struggling. Referring to developments in Vietnam’s automobile and mobility market, he cited the impact of VinFast’s VF 6 launch on the local company Gojek.
He questioned whether Vietnam would similarly permit Indian companies such as Ola, Uber and Rapido to operate freely in its domestic market.
Addressing Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, he said the government should not sacrifice the livelihoods of thousands of local families for the benefit of a private company. In a strongly worded remark, he challenged the government to disclose its financial demands rather than allowing policies that could harm ordinary drivers.
He further stated that if the government believed Green SM’s model was beneficial, it should consider taking responsibility for providing similar cab services rather than leaving existing drivers to face financial uncertainty.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. R.S. Praveen Kumar called upon the government to protect the interests of six lakh auto and cab drivers, announce a proper cab fare card, ensure transparency in licensing and safeguard the livelihoods of local transport workers.
Note: The above allegations and figures reflect the statements made by Dr. R.S. Praveen Kumar and have not been independently verified.
