New Delhi, October 12 (Daily Kiran) : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unveiled the digital portal for the Durga (Driving, Upliftment, and Employment for Women/Transgender E-Auto) scheme at the Delhi Secretariat on Monday. This initiative aims to empower women and transgender individuals by enabling them to own and drive electric autos, providing them with respectable self-employment opportunities.
Gupta emphasized the government’s commitment to economically empower these groups while ensuring their access to safe transportation. The Durga scheme is a significant step in that direction. Under this program, women and transgender individuals can become owners and drivers of electric pink autos, fostering economic independence and respectable livelihoods. Senior officials, including Delhi’s Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, were present at the launch.
In the first phase of the scheme, 1,300 pink e-autos will be allocated, with 1,170 earmarked for women and 130 for transgender individuals. Each revenue district will have a maximum quota of 90 e-autos for women and 10 for transgender applicants. This initiative aims to enhance the participation of these targeted groups in self-employment and public transport.
To ensure a transparent and organized implementation, a dedicated digital portal has been developed. The application process will remain open for three months after the scheme’s approval. If the number of eligible applications exceeds the set quota, an online lottery will determine allocations, followed by the issuance of letters of intent to successful applicants. This approach aims to guarantee transparency and fairness in the allocation process.
Eligibility criteria for women applicants include being aged between 20 and 40, residency in Delhi, possession of a valid light motor vehicle driving license, and a public service vehicle badge. The family’s annual income must not exceed five lakh rupees, and a maximum of three living children is also a requirement. Similar age, residency, and licensing conditions apply to transgender applicants.
Gupta also mentioned plans to establish Durga e-auto stands near women’s colleges, facilitating transportation for students and other female passengers. Additionally, requests have been made to Delhi Metro and NCRTC for dedicated parking and charging spaces for Durga e-autos at metro stations.
The impact of the Durga scheme is expected to extend beyond the operation of 1,300 e-autos. It is anticipated to create job opportunities in local repair workshops, vehicle servicing, charging services, battery recycling, and maintenance. This initiative not only aims to enhance the economic independence of women and transgender individuals but also strengthens the commitment to a self-reliant India. The livelihoods and socio-economic conditions of beneficiaries will be assessed in two phases to understand the real impacts and improve future arrangements.
Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh noted that beneficiaries will also be able to take advantage of the purchase incentives outlined in Delhi’s EV policy-2026. Moreover, aggregators like Uber, Ola, Bharat Taxi, and Rapido will offer six months of free onboarding and subscription for Durga e-auto drivers, aiding them in operating their e-autos and reaching passengers. The Durga e-auto scheme aims to connect women and transgender individuals with employment, dignity, and self-reliance while promoting safe and environmentally friendly transportation in Delhi. The government is focused on effective ground implementation through transparent allocation, improved infrastructure, and coordination with relevant agencies.
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