Delhi’s ‘DURGA’ Scheme Approved; Women and Transgender Individuals to Receive 1,300 Pink E-Autos
On September 23, 2026, the Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved the DURGA scheme for women and transgender individuals. The first phase of the scheme involves the provision of 1,300 pink e-autos, with 1,170 allocated to women and 130 to transgender beneficiaries. The initiative aims to promote self-employment, women's safety, and last-mile connectivity, while ensuring inclusive participation in the transport sector. Through these e-autos, the scheme will foster clean and sustainable urban transport, with EV charging facilities integrated at 70 DMRC metro stations.
On September 23, 2026, the Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved the 'Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green E-Auto' (DURGA) scheme. The scheme aims to provide self-employment, opportunities for participation in the transport sector, and dignified livelihoods to women and transgender individuals, while simultaneously promoting clean urban transport.
1,300 Electric Autos in the First Phase:
The first phase of the scheme provides for the allocation of 1,300 pink electric autos. Of these, 1,170 are designated for women and 130 for transgender beneficiaries. Across Delhi's 13 revenue districts, a maximum of 90 e-autos may be allocated to women and 10 to transgender beneficiaries per district. Applications will be accepted through a dedicated online portal.
Eligibility and Inclusive Self-Employment:
For female applicants, the eligibility criteria include an age range of 20–40 years, Delhi residency, and possession of a valid Voter ID, an LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) driving license, and a PSV (Public Service Vehicle) badge. The family's annual income must not exceed ₹5 lakh, and neither the applicant nor their family should own a registered transport vehicle or three-wheeler. Transgender applicants must fulfill other prescribed conditions in addition to possessing a valid transgender certificate issued by the District Magistrate's office.
Women's Safety and Last-Mile Connectivity:
A key objective of the DURGA scheme is to strengthen last-mile connectivity and expand transport options, particularly for commuters traveling early in the morning or late in the evening. The scheme offers women and transgender individuals the opportunity to own and drive e-autos, thereby linking employment generation with urban transport.
Green Transport and E-Mobility:
The scheme promotes clean and sustainable urban transport through electric autos. There are plans to integrate e-autos with Delhi's public transport network, and space has been allocated for EV charging facilities at parking areas across 70 DMRC metro stations. This initiative could also create employment opportunities in sectors such as charging, servicing, repairs, and battery recycling.
Broad Significance for UPSC:
The DURGA scheme exemplifies the convergence of women's empowerment, social inclusion, the green economy, electric mobility, and inclusive urbanization. It integrates employment generation with gender equality and the economic participation of the transgender community. From a UPSC perspective, this topic is relevant to 'Social Justice and Welfare of Vulnerable Sections' (GS Paper-II), 'Environment-friendly Transport and E-Mobility' (GS Paper-III), and 'Women's Empowerment and Inclusive Development' (Essay). Provisions have also been made for the periodic assessment of the scheme's socio-economic impact.
