In a move to enhance women’s safety and provide employment opportunities, the Maharashtra government is set to reintroduce the ‘Pink Rickshaw’ initiative in major cities such as Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nagpur, and Thane.
Led by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the objective of the ‘Pink Rickshaw’ scheme is to establish a secure mode of transportation exclusively for women while concurrently creating employment through the introduction of e-rickshaws into the system.
The ‘Pink Rickshaw’ Scheme: What to Expect?
During a special meeting at the Mantralaya on Tuesday, Aditi Tatkare emphasized the practical approach that will be adopted in implementing the ‘Pink Rickshaw’ scheme. The plan includes crucial elements such as the careful selection of beneficiaries, prioritization of e-rickshaws, collaboration with banks, and comprehensive training programs.
The meticulous selection of beneficiaries is a key aspect of the scheme, aiming to empower women from diverse backgrounds and contribute to inclusive economic growth. This involves the careful selection of individuals entrusted with operating the unique pink rickshaws.
The government is set to give preference to e-rickshaws in the implementation of the ‘Pink Rickshaw’ program, supporting global trends toward sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation. This decision ensures a modern and efficient fleet to enhance the safety and convenience of female passengers.
Prominent cities like Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nagpur, and Thane will serve as experimental sites to assess the efficiency and feasibility of the program before potential expansion to other areas.
The ‘Pink Rickshaw’ initiative represents a significant step towards fostering a safer environment for women while simultaneously offering avenues for economic empowerment through sustainable transportation.
