A comprehensive new welfare framework is being prepared in the national capital aimed at economic empowerment for women and transgender individuals. Ahead of the festive season, the administration is gearing up to introduce a significant initiative designed to provide sisters and the transgender community in the capital with substantial livelihood opportunities and enhanced financial security.
Durga Scheme to Offer 1,300 E-Auto Permits
To integrate women and transgender communities into the public transportation framework, the administration is rolling out the Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women and Transgender Green e-Auto scheme, commonly referred to as the Durga scheme. Under this initiative, 100 e-auto permits will be allocated to each of the 13 districts in Delhi. Out of the total 1,300 permits, 90 percent will be reserved exclusively for women, while the remaining 10 percent will be designated for transgender individuals.
Cabinet Approval Awaited for Imminent Launch
According to sources familiar with the development, the framework of the scheme has already been finalized, and a formal note will soon be submitted to the cabinet for review and approval. Once the cabinet grants its green light, the government will make a formal public announcement. Speculation suggests this rollout may be timed as a special festive gift for residents, allowing eligible beneficiaries to reap the rewards soon.
Letter of Intent and Promoting Self-Employment
Through the implementation of the Durga scheme, selected beneficiaries will be issued a letter of intent enabling them to operate electric autorickshaws. The core objective of this initiative is to foster self-employment among women and transgender persons, elevate their standard of living, and actively encourage the adoption of eco-friendly electric vehicles throughout the capital city.
Integration with Online Cab and Auto Aggregators
To guarantee a steady and reliable income for the beneficiaries, plans have been put in place to connect these e-auto drivers with online cab and auto aggregator platforms. This integration will allow commuters to book these rides seamlessly through digital applications, thereby maximizing daily earnings. Furthermore, drivers will not need to rely solely on roadside hails or designated stands to secure passengers.
Eligibility Criteria and Conditions
To qualify for participation in this scheme, applicants must meet specific mandatory requirements established by the administration. The criteria include the following guidelines
- Age Requirement: The applying woman or transgender person must be between 20 and 40 years of age.
- Family Limit: Only one woman from a single household will be eligible to apply under this program.
- Vehicle Ownership: Applicants must not already own any three-wheeled vehicle.
- Children's Age: Women submitting applications must have children who are under 18 years of age.
- Income Threshold: The annual family income of the applicants must be less than 5 lakh rupees.
Additionally, a dedicated online portal is currently under development to streamline the application process, while final vehicle allocation is expected to be conducted through a lottery system.
Subsidies and Financial Incentives
Beneficiaries selected under the scheme will receive various financial incentives outlined in the Delhi EV Policy 2026-30. A purchase incentive of 50,000 rupees will be granted during the first year upon acquiring an e-auto. Throughout the duration of the policy period, all electric vehicles registered within the city will enjoy a complete 100 percent waiver on road tax and registration fees.
Identification and Safety Measures
Prioritizing public safety and easy recognition, drivers will be provided with dedicated Durga jackets, caps, and identification cards so that passengers and law enforcement agencies can identify them without difficulty. Additionally, women's helpline numbers and other emergency contact details will be prominently displayed inside the autorickshaws.
Charging and Parking Infrastructure
The administration has planned to facilitate the operation of these e-autos from high-passenger-demand zones. This includes setting up stands near Delhi Metro stations and RRTS stations. Adequate charging facilities and designated parking spaces may also be made available at these transit hubs to support daily operations.
