Women and transgender persons in Delhi looking to become e-auto drivers can now apply under the government’s new DURGA scheme. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched a dedicated online portal for the initiative on October 12, opening up an opportunity for eligible applicants to own and operate electric autos. Here’s all you need to know about this.
DURGA E-Auto Scheme: All You Need To Know
The scheme, short for Driving, Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender E-Auto, aims to create self-employment opportunities while improving last-mile connectivity and encouraging the use of electric vehicles in the Capital.
According to Hindustan Times, in the first phase, the Delhi government will allot 1,300 pink electric autos. Of these, 1,170 are reserved for women and 130 for transgender persons.
The allocation will also be spread across Delhi’s revenue districts, with a maximum of 90 e-autos for women and 10 for transgender applicants in each district.
Applications will remain open for three months. If the number of eligible applicants in a district exceeds its allotted quota, the beneficiaries will be selected through an online lottery after the application window closes.
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Who Can Apply For The DURGA E-Auto Scheme?
The scheme is open to eligible women and transgender persons between the ages of 20 and 40 who are residents of Delhi. Applicants must also hold a valid Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving licence and a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge.
For women applicants, the annual family income must not exceed ₹5 lakh. A condition limiting the number of living children to a maximum of three will also apply. Transgender applicants must additionally possess a valid transgender certificate.
Those interested in applying can visit the official DURGA scheme portal : https://evsubsidy.delhi.gov.in/DurgaScheme , for further details.
The Delhi government is planning dedicated stands for DURGA e-autos near women’s colleges, with the aim of improving connectivity for students and other women commuters. It has also approached the Delhi Metro and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) to explore dedicated parking and charging facilities at Metro and Namo Bharat stations.
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The initiative is also expected to create employment opportunities beyond driving, including in vehicle servicing, repairs, charging infrastructure and battery recycling.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/gupta_rekha
FAQs
What Is The DURGA E-Auto Scheme?
The DURGA (Driving, Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender E-Auto) scheme is a Delhi government initiative aimed at creating self-employment opportunities for women and transgender persons through the allotment of pink electric autos.
Who Is Eligible To Apply For The DURGA E-Auto Scheme?
Women and transgender persons between 20 and 40 years of age who are residents of Delhi can apply, subject to the scheme's eligibility conditions. Applicants must have a valid Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving licence and a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge.
Can Transgender Persons Apply For The DURGA Scheme?
Yes, transgender persons who meet the eligibility criteria can apply. They must also possess a valid transgender certificate.