The Commerce & Transport Department held a meeting with SLBC member banks to launch the AMA SuVahak – Atmanirbhar Mahila SuVahak scheme and to coordinate efforts for its effective implementation.
The meeting was chaired by Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Commerce & Transport Department, and attended by Shri Amitabh Thakur, the Transport Commissioner, along with senior representatives from leading public and private sector banks.
Smt. Padhee emphasized that AMA SuVahak is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering women, promoting gender balance in the driving profession, and fostering women entrepreneurship while ensuring safe and dignified mobility in Odisha. She urged banks to adopt fast-track loan processing, simplify documentation, and establish dedicated facilitation desks to support women beneficiaries.
Shri Thakur highlighted that the scheme provides interest-free loans for purchasing four-wheelers (light motor vehicles), as well as assistance with licensing, structured driving training, and entrepreneurship opportunities through the Odisha Yatri platform. He assured participants of full support from the Transport Department and district authorities to ensure timely onboarding of applicants.
The banks expressed strong support for the initiative and committed to extending financing through targeted loan sanctions, simplified norms, and actionable steps for timely disbursement and enhanced outreach.
The scheme aims to create 1,100 AMA SuVahaks over four years, with targets of 200 for 2025–26, 250 for 2026–27, 300 for 2027–28, and 350 for 2028–29. To be eligible, women must be between 21 and 40 years old, have a family income below ₹3 lakh, and have trained at one of the four Institutes of Driving Training & Research (IDTRs) in Odisha.
The government will provide 10% of the vehicle cost as a down payment, cover interest during a three-month moratorium, pay CGTMSE charges, and cover annual interest costs. Additionally, handholding support will be offered to ensure the regular engagement of the vehicles.
The Department noted that AMA SuVahak will not only promote financial independence for women but also help build a new cadre of skilled women drivers, contributing to safer mobility and inclusive economic growth across Odisha.
