The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has rolled out a new initiative, SARTHINI, designed to provide free Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving training to women across the islands. The programme, launched on August 12 by Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar in the presence of senior officials and State Bank of India representatives, seeks to empower women, particularly from poor and marginalised backgrounds, by equipping them with driving skills that can lead to employment or self-employment.
Developed with the support of the State Bank of India and its Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI), SARTHINI targets women aged 18 and above. Training will initially be conducted in Sri Vijaya Puram and Swaraj Dweep before expanding to other islands. The administration aims to ensure that participants can access training locations close to their place of residence, with accommodation provided where necessary.
Applications can be submitted at the Transport Department or SBI RSETI offices in Sri Vijaya Puram. Selection will be prioritised for Scheduled Tribe women, those from Below Poverty Line families, members of Self-Help Groups, women from MGNREGA-registered families who worked at least 35 days in the last year, and other unemployed females.
Each 30-day batch will accommodate 25 candidates, and the training will be offered free of cost. Classes and facilities will be arranged by SBI RSETI, with the Transport Department providing skilled manpower where required. On completion, candidates will undergo a driving test, and those who qualify will be issued driving licences.
In addition to driving skills, SARTHINI incorporates entrepreneurship training to help women explore avenues for economic independence. The initiative is positioned as both a livelihood opportunity and a step toward improving women’s participation in the transport sector.
The administration hopes the programme will contribute to broader efforts in women’s empowerment and skill development in the islands. Application forms are available on the Transport Department’s website, with queries directed to sbirseti.portblair@gmail.com or dirtpt.and@nic.in.
