Dhami Government Launches ‘Sarathi’ Scheme on International Women’s Day to Empower Women

In a significant step towards women’s empowerment, the Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, launched the ‘Sarathi’ scheme on International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, 2025. This pioneering initiative, spearheaded by the state’s Transport Department, aims to foster self-reliance among women by providing them with employment opportunities in public transportation while ensuring safe and convenient travel for women passengers. The scheme, launched as a pilot project in Dehradun, marks a transformative effort to enhance women’s participation in the workforce and promote gender equality in the state.

Key Features of the Sarathi Scheme

The ‘Sarathi’ scheme introduces a fleet of eco-friendly vehicles, including two e-taxis, two e-auto rickshaws, and 10 e-scooties, to be operated exclusively by women drivers for women passengers. These vehicles have been procured through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund of a private organization, reflecting a collaborative approach to social development. The initiative is designed to provide safe, accessible, and women-centric transportation options, addressing the unique mobility challenges faced by women in urban areas.

Under the pilot project, 14 women drivers have been selected to operate these vehicles in Dehradun. To prepare them for this role, the Transport Department is providing comprehensive training, which includes driving lessons, road safety protocols, and customer service skills. Upon completion of the training, the women will receive valid driving licenses and formal employment opportunities, enabling them to earn a sustainable income and contribute to their households’ financial stability.

Ensuring Safety and Convenience

To prioritize the safety of both drivers and passengers, all vehicles under the Sarathi scheme are equipped with advanced GPS tracking systems, allowing real-time monitoring of their locations. Additionally, the Transport Department has introduced a dedicated helpline number to provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies, ensuring a secure travel experience. The scheme also involves close coordination with the Police Department to enhance security measures and ensure the smooth operation of the initiative.

A standout feature of the Sarathi scheme is the development of a user-friendly mobile application, designed specifically for women passengers. This app, functioning similarly to popular ride-hailing platforms like Ola and Uber, allows women to book e-taxis, e-auto rickshaws, or e-scooties with ease. The app ensures a seamless booking process, transparent fare structures, and real-time tracking of rides, offering women a safe and reliable alternative to conventional public transport.

As an added benefit, women passengers will enjoy free travel for the first week of the scheme’s operation, encouraging them to experience the service and promoting its adoption in the community. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to making public transportation more inclusive and accessible for women.

Empowering Marginalized Women

The Sarathi scheme places a special emphasis on uplifting marginalized groups, with priority given to widows, abandoned women, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Women and Child Development Minister Rekha Arya, who will flag off the initiative from the camp office in Yamuna Colony, Dehradun, highlighted the scheme’s transformative potential. “This is not just about providing jobs; it’s about giving women dignity, independence, and a chance to rewrite their futures,” she said. “By prioritizing women who face social and economic challenges, we are taking a significant step towards true empowerment.”

Minister Arya will also take on the symbolic role of the first rider under the scheme, demonstrating the government’s commitment to its success. Her involvement underscores the initiative’s importance as a flagship program for women’s empowerment in Uttarakhand.

A Pilot Project with Statewide Ambitions

The Sarathi scheme is being implemented as a six-month pilot project in Dehradun, with plans to evaluate its impact and scalability. If successful, the government intends to expand the initiative to other cities across Uttarakhand, including Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Nainital, ensuring that women across the state can benefit from safe transportation and employment opportunities. The scheme’s expansion will also create a ripple effect, encouraging more women to join the workforce and challenging gender stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated sectors like transportation.

The initiative aligns with the broader vision of the Dhami government to promote inclusive development and gender equality. By integrating women into the public transport ecosystem as drivers, the scheme not only enhances their economic independence but also sets a precedent for other states to follow. The government’s collaboration with private organizations through CSR funding further demonstrates an innovative approach to resource mobilization, ensuring the scheme’s sustainability.

A Step Towards Women’s Empowerment

The Sarathi scheme is poised to make a lasting impact on women’s mobility and employment in Uttarakhand. By providing safe travel options, it addresses a critical barrier that many women face in accessing education, employment, and essential services. Simultaneously, it creates a pathway for women to enter a new profession, breaking barriers and fostering economic self-sufficiency. The initiative has garnered widespread support from women’s organizations and community leaders, who see it as a model for empowering women through skill development and employment. “The Sarathi scheme is a game-changer,” said a representative from a local women’s cooperative. “It not only provides jobs but also creates a safe space for women to travel and work with confidence.”

Looking Ahead

As the Sarathi scheme takes its first steps in Dehradun, it carries the potential to redefine public transportation in Uttarakhand. By combining innovation, safety, and empowerment, the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to building a more equitable society. If the pilot project achieves its objectives, it could serve as a blueprint for similar programs across India, inspiring other states to adopt women-centric transportation models. The launch of the Sarathi scheme on International Women’s Day symbolizes a powerful commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As the women drivers of Dehradun prepare to hit the roads, they carry with them the hopes of countless others who aspire to a future of independence and opportunity. With continued support and successful implementation, the Sarathi scheme could become a landmark initiative in Uttarakhand’s journey towards inclusive growth and women’s empowerment.

For more information on the scheme or to book a ride, women passengers can download the Sarathi mobile app or contact the dedicated helpline, details of which will be shared by the Transport Department.