Saraswati Driving E-Rickshaw to Help Passengers Reach Their Destination

New Direction through the “Didi E-Rickshaw Yojana”

Raipur, Sept 2025 : Saraswati Netam has today become a symbol of self-reliance. Until some time ago, her life was full of struggles. She sustained her family by working as a laborer and doing small jobs. Saraswati, a resident of Nahrpara in Kondagaon district, lives with her mother and elder sister, both of whom were dependent on her shoulders. Financial hardship made survival extremely difficult. At such a time, the “Didi E-Rickshaw Yojana” of the Labour Department gave her life a new direction.

Saraswati recalls that one day she learned about the scheme from the local MLA, Ms. Lata Usendi. The scheme, run by the Labour Department, requires women to be registered with the Chhattisgarh Unorganised Workers State Social Security Board. Once eligible, women receive financial assistance for self-employment. Motivated, Saraswati applied. After verification of her eligibility, she received a grant of ₹50,000 from the Labour Department.

With this support, Saraswati purchased an e-rickshaw. Initially, she faced difficulties driving it, but with patience and determination, she gradually mastered the skill. Today, she drives her e-rickshaw in the city every day, ferrying passengers to their destinations. She says she now earns between ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per month.

With this income, Saraswati not only manages household expenses but also pays the vehicle installments and meets other needs. Her family’s financial condition has greatly improved. Earlier, she had to look for odd jobs to make ends meet, but now she has a stable source of income.

Saraswati’s journey is an inspiration for many women who dream of standing on their own feet despite hardships. Her hard work, confidence, and the government’s welfare scheme together have given her life a new direction. Expressing her gratitude, Saraswati said, “This scheme has shown me a new path. Today, I am self-reliant and a support for my family.” She also thanked Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for the government’s assistance.