Ama SuVahak Scheme Boosts Women’s Participation in Odisha Transport Sector

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government’s flagship ‘Atmanirbhar Mahila SuVahak’ (Ama SuVahak) scheme is steadily empowering women by helping them become financially independent and encouraging greater participation in the transport sector.

Under the scheme, another beneficiary, Bhanupriya Behera, was handed over the keys to a new vehicle during a programme organised at Kharavel Bhavan on Tuesday. Bhanupriya had received professional driver training from the Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR), Chhatia, in 2019.

With her inclusion, the number of women drivers who have become vehicle owners under the scheme has risen to seven.

The scheme has been designed to support women drivers through financial assistance and institutional support. Under the initiative, eligible beneficiaries are provided interest-free loans of up to Rs 10 lakh in coordination with banks for vehicle purchase.

The State Government also bears 10 per cent of the vehicle’s ex-showroom price as down payment while acting as guarantor for the loan. In addition, the government covers credit guarantee charges and the entire interest burden on the vehicle loan.

Officials said the government has earmarked Rs 46.66 crore to create around 1,100 ‘Atmanirbhar Mahila SuVahaks’ across Odisha over the next four years.

Priority under the scheme is being given to women drivers associated with Odisha State Road Transport Corporation and Capital Region Urban Transport, members of Self-Help Groups and beneficiaries of the Subhadra scheme.