Lucknow: The Yogi government is making significant strides in empowering women across Uttar Pradesh through the Mission Shakti initiative. Aiming to enhance the economic independence of women, the government is offering free e-rickshaw training, driving licenses, and affordable e-rickshaws to 18,000 women across the state.
To further support these efforts, a subsidy of up to Rs 50,000 is also being provided on e-rickshaws. By including 250 women from each district in this scheme, the state is fostering self-employment opportunities for women. In a symbolic gesture, the government has decided to celebrate Rakshabandhan at all training centers, marking the occasion with the spirit of sisterhood and empowerment.
Training conducted by UPCON
The Yogi government is connecting the women of the state with self-employment oriented e-rickshaw training program to make them self-reliant. UPCON MD Praveen Singh said that the e-rickshaw training program has been conducted by the MSME department under the Mission Shakti scheme. The training program is being implemented by UPCON.
He mentioned that under Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarojgar Yojana, 250 women from each district have been selected to receive training in e-rickshaw driving. During the training, women received both practical sessions and classroom education, where they learned about e-rickshaw operations and driving rules.
Additionally, the program provided participants with pink uniforms and safety kits, and assistance in obtaining driving licenses through the RTO. Moreover, efforts have been made to ensure that these women receive loans at affordable rates for purchasing e-rickshaws, along with a subsidy of up to Rs 50,000 under Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarojgar Yojana.
Selection based on specific criteria
The training program, was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, 56,200 women (750 per district) underwent six days of training, which included three days of workplace safety, security, and self-defense training, followed by three days of entrepreneurship development.
In the second phase, 18,000 women, with 250 women per district, received e-rickshaw training. The training duration for self-employment in the driving domain is six months, and the selection of women was in accordance with the guidelines of the Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarojgar Yojana, targeting women aged 18 to 40 years who have passed the 10th grade.
High quality e-rickshaws will be made available
Praveen Singh, MD of UPCON, further said that the standard cost of an e-rickshaw has been set at Rs 1.98 lakh, with e-rickshaw companies selected through the Gem portal. These companies manufacture e-rickshaws with lithium-ion batteries, known for their superior quality. Women eligible under this scheme will receive a subsidy of Rs 49,500, while the remaining amount can be financed through affordable bank loans. This program, which began in November 2023, is being rolled out in batches.
Women drivers to become an example of women empowerment
This initiative aims to equip women with the necessary skills to become self-reliant and economically empowered. The women trained under this program will not only support their families but will also serve as role models, exemplifying women’s safety and empowerment on the road. By breaking the male monopoly in public transport, this program will offer women the choice to select drivers according to their preference, furthering the cause of gender equality in the state.
