Odisha Scheme to Empower Women Drivers: Atmanirbhar Mahila Su Vahak
What is Atmanirbhar Mahila Su Vahak Scheme in Odisha?
The Atmanirbhar Mahila Su Vahak scheme aims to support women drivers by offering interest-free loans to help them purchase vehicles. Over the next four years, the government intends to assist 1,100 women, providing them with the resources needed to start or expand their transport businesses.
- Odisha Scheme to Empower Women Drivers: Atmanirbhar Mahila Su Vahak
- What is Atmanirbhar Mahila Su Vahak Scheme in Odisha?
- Key Features & Benefits
- Purpose / Goals
- Key Numbers / Investment
- Caveats / Aspects to Watch
- FAQ:
- 1. What is the Atmanirbhar Mahila Su Vahak Scheme?
- 2. What kind of financial support is offered?
- 3. Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
- 4. How many women will benefit from the scheme?
- 5. Is there any special benefit for electric vehicles (EVs)?
- 6. What is the main goal of the scheme?
- 7. How can one apply for the scheme?
- 8. Is the scheme currently active?
Key Features & Benefits
Here are the main components of the scheme:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Loan Facility | Interest-free loans of up to ₹10 lakh for purchasing a four-wheeler taxi. The loan is repayable over 5 years. |
| Interest Burden | The state government will bear the interest (around 11% per annum) so women beneficiaries pay only the EMI. |
| Number of Beneficiaries / Phased Roll-Out | 1,100 women over 4 years: first year 200, second 250, third 300, fourth 350. |
| Age, Income & Other Eligibility | Women aged 21-40 years; annual family income up to ₹3 lakh. Also, need to have driving training from recognised institute and hold a valid driving licence. |
| Priority Groups | Preference given to: women who are already driving government buses; women in self-help groups (SHGs); and beneficiaries under the Subhadra scheme. |
| Incentives for Electric Vehicles | If the vehicle bought is an EV, an additional incentive of ₹2 lakh will be given; also exemptions from road tax and registration fees under Odisha’s EV policy. |
Purpose / Goals
- Promote gender equality in the transport sector.
- Economic independence for women through self-employment or owning their own vehicle businesses.
- Safer mobility options for women.
- Promote eco-friendly transport via EV adoption.
How many women will benefit from the scheme?
A total of 1,100 women will be supported over four years:
-
Year 1 – 200 women
-
Year 2 – 250 women
-
Year 3 – 300 women
-
Year 4 – 350 women
Who Can Apply
- Women between 21 and 40 years old.
- Women must have finished driving training from well-known places.
- Yearly income should be Rs 3 lakh or more.
How to Apply
Applicants can apply online for this scheme either by visiting the official website of Odisha Commerce & Transport department website at ct.odisha.gov.in or Odisha One Portal.
Offline application can be done through Odisha One centers and CSC’s across the state.
Key Numbers / Investment
- Total estimated beneficiaries: 1,100 over 4 years. (
- Estimated financial commitment: about ₹46.66 crore.
Caveats / Aspects to Watch
- The scheme is recently approved / proposed, so some details (application process, timelines, implementing agency) may still be in formulation.
- Beneficiary has to first do driving training from recognised institutes. Training requirement is likely to have some cost or time commitment.
- Loan payback still requires discipline; the beneficiary must make EMI payments even if interest is borne by government.
FAQ:
1. What is the Atmanirbhar Mahila Su Vahak Scheme?
The Atmanirbhar Mahila Su Vahak Scheme is an initiative by the Odisha government to empower women by helping them become self-reliant drivers and transport entrepreneurs. It provides financial assistance and training to women who wish to own and operate their own vehicles.
2. What kind of financial support is offered?
Eligible women can receive interest-free loans up to ₹10 lakh to purchase four-wheeler taxis. The government will bear the loan interest, and the beneficiaries only need to repay the principal amount over five years.
3. Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
Women applicants must:
- Be 21–40 years old
- Have a family income of up to ₹3 lakh per year
- Hold a valid driving licence and have completed training from a recognised driving institute
Priority will be given to women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs), women bus drivers, and those under the Subhadra scheme.
4. How many women will benefit from the scheme?
A total of 1,100 women will be supported over four years:
- Year 1 – 200 women
- Year 2 – 250 women
- Year 3 – 300 women
- Year 4 – 350 women
5. Is there any special benefit for electric vehicles (EVs)?
Yes. Women who purchase electric vehicles will receive an additional incentive of ₹2 lakh, along with exemptions from road tax and registration fees under Odisha’s EV policy.
6. What is the main goal of the scheme?
The main goals are to:
- Promote economic independence and self-employment for women
- Encourage women’s participation in the transport sector
- Provide safer mobility options for women passengers
- Support environment-friendly transport through EV incentives
7. How can one apply for the scheme?
The application process is expected to be handled through the Odisha Transport Department or Mission Shakti portal once officially launched. Applicants will likely need to submit identification, income proof, and driving licence details.
8. Is the scheme currently active?
As of October 2025, the scheme has been approved and is in the implementation phase. The detailed application process and official notification are expected to be released soon.
