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- Surat Women Carve the Path of Empowerment with the Pink E-Auto Project: 47 Women Achieve Success in Employment
- 47 Women of Surat Offer Safe and Trustworthy Rides Through Self-Reliance
- No Haggling in Women-Driven Autos, Only a Ride of Trust and Safety
Surat: On Monday, Surat Municipal Corporation’s UCD (Urban Community Development) Department has implemented numerous projects to provide livelihood opportunities for urban poor women. One of the most ambitious among these is the “Pink Auto Project,” launched in 2017. Under this initiative, Pink E-Auto rickshaws have been successfully operating in Surat for the past seven years. Under the guidance of Surat Municipal Commissioner Mrs. Shaliniben Agrawal, 47 women have become self-reliant and gained employment through this project. The initiative is not only limited to providing safe travel but also serves as a stable source of employment for women. Launched by the Chief Minister in 2017, today, 47 women are driving pink autos, providing security, employment, and dignity while economically supporting their families. This project has brought significant changes in the lives of these women, empowering them with confidence and a renewed sense of purpose. Let’s take a look at the inspiring story of one such empowered woman driving an auto in Surat.
A Unique Journey of Motherhood and Self-Reliance: Savitabai Saluke Balances Higher Earnings and Childcare with Pink E-Auto
Residing in Bhestan’s Shiv Residency and originally from the Limbayat area, the life story of Savitabai Saluke is filled with true struggles and fortune. After losing her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic, all the responsibilities of her household fell on her shoulders. In these difficult times, she began working in the diamond industry, where she worked 12-hour shifts. However, neither the pay was adequate, nor did she have enough time to take care of her children. It was during this period that her life took a new turn with the “Pink E-Auto Project.” With the support and guidance of the UCD department of Surat Municipal Corporation, Savitabai received the opportunity to drive a Pink E-Auto rickshaw. After completing her training and obtaining a license, she embarked on her new journey with enthusiasm and confidence. Today, Savitabai earns more in less time, which has not only strengthened her financial situation but also allowed her to take better care of her children.
Savitabai’s success demonstrates that with the right guidance and inspiration, one can overcome any circumstance. Her story is a source of inspiration for all women who manage household burdens while nurturing their children with love and care.
Vaishaliben Shinde’s Inspirational Story: From Housework to Driving an Auto and Earning Rs. 1,000 Daily, Securing a Bright Future for Her Family
The story of 39-year-old e-auto driver Vaishaliben Shinde from the Godadara area highlights the importance of standing strong in the face of challenges. At one point, to support her family, she worked in nearby homes, earning only Rs. 100-150 per day, forcing her to live on a tight budget. One day, she saw a woman driving a pink e-auto in her neighborhood. Inspired by this sight, she decided that instead of working in someone else’s home, she could drive an auto and change her family’s future. She gathered information from the women auto drivers and contacted Surat Municipal Corporation’s UCD department, where she was briefed about the Pink E-Auto Project and encouraged to take the next step. After receiving training and a license, Vaishaliben started driving an auto. For the past two years, she has been earning Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,000 daily by working just four to five hours, significantly improving her family’s financial situation.
“Today, I’ve left housework behind, drive my own auto, and am self-reliant. My children’s future is now bright, and I am happier in life. I will always be grateful to the government,” Vaishaliben says proudly. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, showing how a small decision can lead to a big transformation.
Babita Gupta’s Inspirational Journey: Driving a Pink Auto Brought Significant Changes to Her Life
Babita Gupta, a resident of Nilgiri Circle in Limbayat, has been driving a pink auto for the past eight years. Her journey exemplifies how hard work and determination can bring about a major transformation in life. In 2017, when she first received auto training, she was initially afraid of accidents, but today, she confidently and fearlessly continues her work. Earlier, her family’s financial situation was dire, and she had to work 10 hours in a factory, where the workload was heavy, and the pay was low. To change this situation, Babita considered starting her own small business. When she learned about the Pink Auto Project, she approached Surat Municipal Corporation’s UCD department. There, she received information about the project, training, a license, and eventually, a pink e-auto rickshaw.
Babita says, “When I drive the auto, I feel like my whole perspective on life has changed.” Today, she earns around Rs. 800 per day, of which she saves Rs. 300 to Rs. 400. This success has not only brightened the future of her family but also shows that with hard work, faith, and determination, one can surpass any limits.
Impact of the Project: Contribution to Both Transformation and Environment
The Pink E-Auto Project not only provides employment but also contributes to environmental conservation. The electric autos are helping reduce the city’s traffic and pollution levels. With the training and technical guidance provided by Surat SMC, women are scaling new heights of empowerment.
The Pink E-Auto Project: A Platform for Women’s Confidence and Social Transformation
According to details provided by Surat Municipal Corporation’s UCD department, the project was launched by the Chief Minister in 2017, and today, 47 women are driving pink autos, securing their livelihoods. The Pink E-Auto Project is not just a self-employment scheme; it symbolizes a significant social transformation designed to enhance women’s confidence. Through this project, the women of Surat are not only economically supporting their families but also becoming symbols of empowerment and equality in society. The UCD department states, “We are proud to be providing such opportunities to the underprivileged women, enabling them to uplift their lives.”
This project helps women progress towards new awareness, strength, and self-reliance, making them successful entrepreneurs and advocates for social justice and equality in society.
