Subsidised e-autos to help DWCRA women gain self-employment in Anakapalle

The coalition government is facilitating the purchase of electric auto-rickshaws by DWCRA women in Anakapalle to promote self-employment and provide an additional source of income to their families.

Under the scheme, e-autos priced at ₹4.5 lakh will be made available to beneficiaries for ₹3.5 lakh after the government subsidy. Banks will extend loans at low interest rates, with the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) facilitating the financing and repayment process.

Officials are creating awareness about the scheme at DWCRA group meetings and inviting applications from interested women. Ten women in Anakapalle town have so far applied, while more eligible beneficiaries can apply, officials said.

The initiative also seeks to promote electric vehicles as a cleaner mode of transport in urban and semi-urban areas.

The e-autos may be operated by the beneficiaries or their family members, enabling households to generate income through the vehicles.

DWCRA members have welcomed the scheme, stating that subsidised vehicles and low-interest institutional loans would help them avoid private financiers who charge higher interest rates.

“We have applied for an e-auto. The assistance will help DWCRA women take up self-employment and promote the use of electric vehicles in Anakapalle,” said S. Rupavathi.

K. Parvathi said the scheme would make vehicle ownership more affordable for women. “We wanted to buy an auto for self-employment, but private financiers quoted high interest rates. The subsidy and low-interest loans provided under the scheme are helpful,” she said.