The Delhi Cabinet on Wednesday approved the ‘DURGA’ scheme to allocate electric autos exclusively to women and transgender persons, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office.

In the first phase, 1,300 pink electric autos are proposed to be registered. Of these, 1,170 will be allocated to women and 130 to transgender beneficiaries. A maximum of 90 electric autos for women and 10 for transgender beneficiaries will be allocated in each revenue district.

The CMO stated the scheme aims to provide “dignified self-employment and livelihood opportunities” while promoting women’s safety, greater participation of transgender persons in the transport sector, last-mile connectivity and clean and sustainable urban transport.

The scheme, approved at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, is formally called the Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green E-Auto (DURGA) scheme.

Applicants will be able to apply through a dedicated online portal. The benefits will be available to those who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria.

According to the eligibility criteria, applicants must be Delhi residents aged 20 to 40 and have a valid voter identity card, an LMW driving licence and a PSV (Public Service Vehicle) badge. A woman with more than three children will not be eligible. The applicant’s family must also not own any registered transport vehicle or three-wheeler.

The applicant’s family income must not exceed ₹5 lakh. A transgender applicant must have a transgender certificate issued by the respective District Magistrate. The other eligibility criteria for women, including the age limit and licence requirements, will also apply to transgender applicants.

The e-autos will have a mandatory three-year lock-in period, during which they cannot be sold, transferred or disposed of in any manner.