Introduction The Maharashtra Government introduced a women-focused initiative known as the Pink E Rickshaw Scheme. The scheme aims to create employment opportunities for women and help them achieve financial independence. The program also strengthens women empowerment and ensures safer travel options for female passengers, especially at night. Under the Pink E Rickshaw Scheme, the government offers financial assistance for purchasing an electric rickshaw. Eligible women need to pay only 10 percent of the vehicle price at the time of purchase. Leading banks will provide 70 percent of the amount as a loan, and beneficiaries can repay this loan over five years or 60 months. The state government will contribute the remaining 20 percent as a direct subsidy. The maximum price of an e-rickshaw under this program remains capped at Rs 4 lakh, which means the government subsidy can go up to Rs 80,000. The vehicle must meet specific technical standards, including a 10 HP motor, a range of 110 kilometers per charge, and a seating capacity of 3+1 including the driver. The scheme will be rolled out in phases across Maharashtra. In the first phase, the government will select 10,000 women from 17 cities. Applicants must hold a valid driving license and submit their application offline at the Women and Child Development Office. If applications exceed the fixed number for a city, the authority will choose beneficiaries through a lottery system. The Women and Child Development Department acts as the nodal authority for this scheme. Benefits The Maharashtra Government provides the following advantages under this scheme :- Financial support for purchasing an e-rickshaw. Bank loan facility for 70 percent of vehicle cost. State subsidy covering 20 percent of the price. Loan repayment period of 60 months. Opportunity for women to start independent earning. Eligibility Applicants must fulfill these conditions :- Permanent resident BPL Category Women of Maharashtra. Women Applicant should have a Valid driving license. Age of Women should be between 18 and 35 years. Annual family income below Rs 3 lakh. Valid Bank Account must be required. Preference goes to Widows or legally divorced women, Residents of state homes Orphans or ex-residents of child homes. Documents Applicants must provide the following documents :- Age proof. Aadhaar Card PAN Card. Voter ID. Bank passbook. Maharashtra domicile certificate. Passport photo. Ration card. Income certificate. Driving license. Category certificate if applicable. Affidavit of no bank debt. Undertaking to drive the e-rickshaw personally. Acceptance of scheme terms. Process to Apply Eligible women who meet all the conditions can register for the Pink E Rickshaw Scheme. The department accepts applications only through the offline mode. Women can collect the official application form from the Women and Child Development Department or download it from the department website. Applicants must enter all required information in the form with full attention and accuracy. Each applicant needs to paste a recent passport-size photograph and attach photocopies of all necessary documents. After completing the form, women must submit it to the Women and Child Development Department of Maharashtra. The nodal authority will create a committee to examine every submitted application. The department will inform successful applicants through the registered contact details. Once the authority grants approval, beneficiaries must finish the remaining formal steps as instructed. Important Links Women and Child Development Department Website. Contact Women and Child Development Department, Maharashtra :- Contact Number: 020-26360063