Delhi CM launches portal for DURGA e-auto scheme for women, transgender persons

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday launched an online portal for the ‘DURGA’ e-auto scheme, which aims to enable women and transgender persons to own and drive electric autos for a livelihood. About 1,300 pink e-autos have been earmarked under the scheme, with applications to be invited through the portal, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated in an official release.

Letter of Intent

An official said the government has capped the total number of passenger autorickshaws in the city at one lakh and the scheme earmarked a portion of this quota for women and transgender persons.

“If they apply through the portal and comply with all the conditions, then they will get the Letter of Intent from the Transport Department, so that they can own and drive an autorickshaw and earn a living,” the official said.

According to the CMO release, of the 1,300 e-autos, 1,170 have been earmarked for women and 130 for transgender persons. The allocation quota has been set at a maximum of 90 e-autos for women and 10 for transgender persons in each of the 13 revenue districts.

The government has not specified the cost of purchasing the autos or announced any financial assistance to help beneficiaries buy the vehicles.

Eligibility criteria

Women applicants must be between 20 and 40 years of age and residents of Delhi. They must hold a valid light motor vehicle driving licence and a public service vehicle (PSV) badge. Their annual family income must not exceed ₹5 lakh, and the prescribed condition relating to a maximum of three living children will also apply, the release stated.

Transgender applicants must also meet the specified age and Delhi residency requirements and hold a valid driving licence and PSV badge, it added.

‘Our priority’

Launching the portal at the Delhi Secretariat, Ms. Gupta said the economic empowerment of women and transgender persons, along with improving their access to safe transport, was among her government’s priorities. The Delhi Cabinet had approved the scheme the previous week.

“The DURGA scheme is an important step in this direction, enabling women and transgender persons to own and drive pink electric autos and gain opportunities for dignified self-employment and financial independence,” Ms. Gupta said.