The Odisha government is set to roll out the ‘Ama Su Vahak’ scheme, a transformative initiative aimed at increasing women’s financial independence. The programme shifts the focus of the traditional Su Vahak project from merely providing vehicles to empowering women as entrepreneurs. Under this scheme, women can avail loans up to Rs 10 lakh at zero interest to purchase cars, enabling them to start their own transport businesses.

Gradual Rollout and Focus on EVs

Over four years, the government plans to provide vehicles to 1,100 women, starting with 200 cars in the first year, followed by 250 in the second year, 300 in the third, and 350 in the fourth. Women opting for electric vehicles (EVs) will receive an additional Rs 2 lakh incentive, promoting eco-friendly mobility alongside economic empowerment.

Eligibility and Financial Support

Eligible participants are women aged 21 to 40, with priority given to Subhadra beneficiaries, members of self-help groups (SHGs), and existing route drivers. The Women Commerce and Transport Department will provide Rs 1 lakh as a grant, while banks will offer the remaining Rs 9 lakh as a loan. Repayment begins three months after vehicle purchase under easy terms, and the government will pay Rs 1,000 per driver for insurance. The total outlay for vehicle purchases is Rs 110 crore.

Monitoring and Skilled Workforce

A steering committee under the Transport Department’s secretary will oversee the scheme, including quarterly monitoring of women’s income. To date, 6,216 women have been trained in driving across four institutes, creating a qualified pool of drivers ready to benefit from the initiative.

Empowerment Through Transport

The scheme aims to ensure road safety, increase employment opportunities for women in the transport sector, and promote financial independence. As a government official put it, “From passengers to the masters of their destiny.”

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