A new chapter in women’s empowerment unfolded in Swaraj Dweep on Saturday with the launch of the SARTHINI scheme, designed to provide driving training for women and open pathways to self-reliance. The scheme, introduced at Govindnagar Gram Panchayat, focuses on training women in Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving, enabling them to gain skills that enhance both independent mobility and livelihood opportunities.
The inaugural programme drew enthusiastic participation from local women, community representatives, and officials of the Transport Department, who underscored the significance of the scheme in addressing the economic and social challenges faced by women. Officials from the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI), State Bank of India, and local panchayat bodies were also present to extend institutional support to the initiative.
The scheme has been conceptualised as a step beyond skill training, aiming to empower women with the confidence to participate in the workforce in sectors such as tourism, logistics, and transport services. In the context of Swaraj Dweep, a popular tourist destination, the training is expected to generate direct employment opportunities, with women graduates of the programme positioned to work as drivers for hotels, tour operators, and local transport providers. By offering structured training, SARTHINI seeks to address the skill gap that often prevents women from entering such fields.
At the launch, senior officials stressed that SARTHINI is more than a driving programme, it represents a movement towards gender equality and inclusion. By equipping women with a skill that provides mobility, the scheme simultaneously empowers them socially and economically. Community leaders present at the launch highlighted that independent mobility often becomes a turning point for women, enabling them to access education, healthcare, and employment opportunities without dependence.
The initiative has been designed to include women from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring that training opportunities are not limited to any particular group. With support from financial institutions and panchayats, the scheme aims to provide not only training but also pathways for women to obtain necessary licences and explore avenues for self-employment.
The inaugural batch of trainees participated in an orientation session where they were briefed on the structure of the course, safety measures, and opportunities after certification. For many of them, this marks the first time they will undergo formal training in driving, a skill often seen as inaccessible due to financial or social barriers. The excitement expressed by the participants reflected the scheme’s potential to transform individual lives and communities.
SARTHINI is also seen as a milestone for Swaraj Dweep, where tourism dominates the local economy. With women gaining access to driving jobs, the scheme may help create a visible shift in the gender composition of the local workforce. In addition, the focus on road safety and responsible driving is expected to enhance public safety standards in the long run.
The programme received institutional backing from Transport Department officials, local elected representatives, and bank managers, who assured continued support to ensure its success. Stakeholders highlighted that empowerment initiatives such as SARTHINI not only help individual women but also contribute to the broader goals of sustainable community development.
For the participants, the scheme represents a practical opportunity to break barriers, gain independence, and build financial stability. As one of the first batches of women drivers begin their training, the SARTHINI scheme stands out as a forward-looking initiative that combines empowerment, livelihood generation, and gender equality.
The launch of SARTHINI is expected to create momentum for similar programmes across the islands, strengthening the overall agenda of women’s empowerment and inclusion. By placing women in the driver’s seat, literally and symbolically, the scheme charts a course towards a more equitable future for the island community.
