Mahindra Logistics Launches HOPE; Initiative To Support Drivers Financially

Mahindra Logistics has launched HOPE (Helping Our People during Emergencies), an initiative to support drivers financially to aid the battle against the COVID-19 lockdown. The company has partnered with Samhita Social Ventures - a social enterprise and SuperMoney - a financial lending tech platform to reach out to the beneficiaries within the ecosystem. This move will create an ecosystem to channelize CSR funds of other companies to provide economic support and recovery to workers, informed the company.

The national lockdown announced by the government and with state borders shut has impacted a large number of drivers. Whether they are drivers ferrying goods between the states as well across the country, or those who drive taxis and for ride-sharing companies. These drivers mostly stranded and are struggling to make ends meet for themselves and their families, it added.

As a part of the initiative, Mahindra Logistics will be providing immediate relief by transferring Rs 3,000/- to each driver’s bank account, to buy essential commodities. This will be followed by other support provided to these drivers like health insurance cover, leveraging government schemes and loan guaranteeing model. In addition to this, Mahindra Logistics would strengthen healthcare professionals’ abilities to respond and provide support to affected families using digital channels.

Rampraveen Swaminathan, MD & CEO, Mahindra Logistics Limited said: “With over 30% of commercial vehicles stranded on roads across the country, drivers need urgent support. Truck drivers and their families are in immediate need of cash for food and other basic facilities. We have launched several programs to support the driver community along with our business partners. Through this initiative, of short term financial relief and hope we aim to help these drivers and their families until the situation in the country is restored.”

Speaking on the initiative, Priya Naik, Founder and CEO, Samhita Social Ventures says, “Through our India Workers' Alliance, we are delighted to partner with Mahindra Logistics, to support India's blue collar and gig economy workers whose lives and livelihoods have been severely impacted. Our single objective is to help them survive this crisis and enable them to get back on their feet. We talk to our workers and experts constantly to ensure that our solutions are quick, effective and responsive to changing needs on the ground”.

In addition to this, Mahindra Logistics (MLL) also announced that its enterprise mobility business, Alyte will provide emergency cab services for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This free service has begun in Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai, with more cities being added every day.