Chamba woman drives her dreams with startup scheme

Turning government support into a success story, Chamba’s Arti Devi has emerged as the only woman beneficiary of the Himachal Pradesh Government’s Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Startup Scheme and is today earning a respectable income of Rs 52,000 per month through her e-taxi services.

A resident of Sultanpur ward in Chamba town, Devi availed the scheme to purchase her electric taxi, for which she received a government subsidy of Rs 6.97 lakh. The e-taxi has been attached to the Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba, enabling her to secure a steady income source while contributing to public services.

Sharing her experience, Devi said the scheme had transformed her life. “The e-taxi is not just a vehicle but a reliable means of livelihood. With low maintenance and high returns, it has brought stability and prosperity to my family.

District Employment Officer Arvind Chauhan highlighted that the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Startup Scheme is one of the government’s flagship initiatives aimed at promoting self-reliance among unemployed youth. Under the scheme, beneficiaries can buy e-taxis with 50 per cent subsidy support, while 40 per cent of the cost is covered through bank loans at a concessional 7.9 per cent interest rate. The remaining 10 per cent is borne by the applicant. Importantly, the government has also ensured the sustainability of the scheme by attaching these vehicles with government departments for a period of four to five years, guaranteeing a monthly income of nearly Rs 50,000 to every beneficiary.

He further said that in Chamba district, 21 applicants had come forward under the scheme. Out of these, 14 beneficiaries have already purchased their e-taxis, with the government disbursing close to Rs 1 crore in subsidies. The remaining seven cases are under verification and processing, after which they too will be facilitated to purchase their vehicles. “By linking e-taxis with government offices, the scheme not only generates assured earnings but also promotes eco-friendly transport. It is truly an opportunity for the youth to move away from unemployment and embrace self-sufficiency,” Chauhan added. Those interested in availing detailed information about the scheme can contact the District Employment Office, Chamba, at 01899-222209, said Chauhan.