MMFL’s CSR programme strengthens economic independence by connecting the beneficiaries to financial institutions to access credit

Mahindra Finance’s flagship CSR programme ‘Swabhimaan’, has successfully provided e-auto rickshaw driving skill training to 500 women from Jabalpur and Indore in Madhya Pradesh; Thanjavur and Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu and will continue providing training to another 500 women from the above states totaling 1000 trained e-auto rickshaw drivers by FY25. The project was initiated in FY2023 and till date 500 women have been trained and all have secured the permanent driving licenses.

This training course is NSDC certified and NSQF Level IV certified, which is equivalent to the educational qualification of Std XII. The project has attempted to leverage the benefits of the Mukhyamantri Swarojgar Yojana in Madhya Pradesh, which provides subsidies for the purchase of e-auto rickshaws.

Almost 60% women have been driving e-auto rickshaws as their primary source of livelihood for over six months indicating the impact of the programme. Additionally, the project has facilitated and supported these women for purchasing auto rickshaws by connecting them with various financial institutions to access credit, thereby strengthening their economic independence. During the training the women are also equipped with self-defense training as well as soft skills training that will prepare them to stay alert and confident.

The programme endeavors to facilitate job opportunities for women completing the training. It is expected that these vehicles will serve as an essential transportation solution for last-mile feeder locations, including railway and bus stations. Additionally, they can also contribute to last-mile delivery services for e-commerce companies. This initiative also aids to address the crucial transportation and logistical needs in urban/ semi-urban areas.

In addition to learning technical driving skills, these women have also been trained to manage their finances thereby helping them secure their future. These women are now able to pay their loan installments, fulfill their children’s educational needs, invest in future, and contribute to day-to-day expenses of the family. The objective is to empower women across geographies and help redefine societal paradigms and further break gender-based stereotypes on jobs that are typically male dominated.

Here is your chance to meet the women!