New Delhi: This Navratri, Delhi’s proposed DURGA E-Auto Scheme brings a practical dimension to women’s empowerment by linking economic independence with access to livelihood opportunities. The scheme, approved by the Delhi Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, will distribute 1,300 pink electric autos in its initial phase, including 1,170 for women and 130 for transgender persons.
DURGA stands for Driving, Upliftment and Rozgar for Women and Transgender. The initiative aims to help beneficiaries build a steady source of income while promoting electric mobility and improving last-mile connectivity across the national capital.
Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the scheme is intended to support financial independence among women and transgender persons. Its implementation includes district-wise quotas, digital applications and a defined selection process. Each revenue district will have a quota of up to 90 autos for women and 10 for transgender beneficiaries.
Applications will be received through a digital portal developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Delhi. Committees led by District Magistrates will review applications weekly, while an online lottery will determine the selection if eligible applicants exceed the available quota. Successful applicants will receive Letters of Intent, identity cards, and DURGA-branded jackets and caps. They will also be eligible for incentives under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2026.
To help beneficiaries enter the digital transport economy, aggregators will be encouraged to offer free onboarding and subscriptions. The Transport Department has also sought dedicated parking and charging facilities for the vehicles at Metro and Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) stations, in coordination with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
The scheme will undergo a two-phase evaluation to assess its impact on beneficiaries’ livelihoods and financial stability. This will be an important measure of its effectiveness, as access to a vehicle must translate into sustainable earnings for the initiative to deliver lasting economic benefits.
The focus on livelihoods complements the Delhi government’s wider efforts to strengthen support systems for women and children. Addressing the two-day National Departmental Summit on Women and Child Development on Friday, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gupta outlined five priorities: individual care plans for victims, better coordination between helplines and One Stop Centres, improved access to counselling and legal aid, prevention of child marriage, and effective enforcement of workplace sexual harassment laws.
She also highlighted Women Helpline 181, emergency number 112 and Child Helpline 1098. Nationwide, 998 One Stop Centres have assisted approximately 15.95 lakh women, while 431 Shakti Sadans have supported around 3.36 lakh women.
With its focus on employment, cleaner transport and digital access, the DURGA scheme adds an economic dimension to the Navratri conversation around women’s empowerment. Its success will ultimately be measured by how effectively it enables beneficiaries to earn a reliable income and build greater financial independence.
BI Bureau
