Bhubaneswar: Principal Secretary Commerce & Transport, Smt.Usha Pahdee strongly urged banks to implement fast-track loan processing, simplified documentation, and dedicated facilitation desks to provide necessary support to women beneficiaries under AMA SuVahak Scheme.
The Commerce and Transport Department held a crucial meeting with State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) member banks to launch the new AMA SuVahak – Atmanirbhar Mahila SuVahak Scheme and plan its coordinated, successful execution.
The meeting was chaired by Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce and Transport, and attended by Shri Amitabh Thakur, Transport Commissioner, and senior representatives from leading public and private sector banks.
Smt. Padhee emphasized that AMA SuVahak is a transformative empowerment-linked livelihood initiative. She stated its aim is to introduce gender balance into the driving profession, promote women entrepreneurship, and ensure safe, dignified mobility within Odisha. The Principal Secretary strongly urged banks to implement fast-track loan processing, simplified documentation, and dedicated facilitation desks to provide necessary support to women beneficiaries.
Transport Commissioner, Shri Thakur detailed the scheme’s benefits, which include interest-free loans for the purchase of four-wheelers (LMVs), assistance with licensing, structured driving training, and entrepreneurship avenues via the Odisha Yatri platform.
Banks voiced strong support for the scheme and committed to extending financing through target-based loan sanctions, simplified norms, and actionable steps to ensure timely disbursal and improved outreach.
The scheme plans to develop 1,100 AMA SuVahaks over four years, with targets set at 200 in 2025–26, 250 in 2026–27, 300 in 2027–28, and 350 in 2028–29. Eligibility requires women to be 21–40 years old, have an annual family income below ₹3 lakh, and complete training at one of Odisha’s four Institutes of Driving Training and Research (IDTRs).
The Government will contribute 10% towards the down payment, cover the interest during the three-month moratorium period, bear CGTMSE charges, and pay the annual interest. Additionally, the Government will provide handholding support to ensure the regular engagement of the vehicles.
The Department concluded that AMA SuVahak, as championed by Smt. Padhee, will not only ensure financial independence for women but will also establish a new cohort of skilled women drivers, contributing to both safer mobility and inclusive economic growth throughout Odisha.