Kerala - Raising women’s share in local governance
Kerala aims to increase women’s participation in local governance from 20 percent to 50 percent within the next five to ten years. Through Kudumbashree, the state is promoting home-based industries, converting vacant houses into productive units with legal approvals, loans, and subsidies. Kudumbashree’s membership is expected to reach 50 lakh soon, expanding from a livelihood mission to digital service enterprises. Skill training initiatives and successful models like Haritha Karma Sena reflect growing opportunities for women and stronger recognition of their contributions in the state.
Odisha - ‘Ama Su Vahak’ to empower women drivers
Odisha introduced a scheme, "Atmanirbhar Mahila Su Vahak" (Ama Su Vahak), providing entrepreneurial opportunities to women working in the transport sector. It aims to offer interest-free or highly subsidized loans and incentives for women to become taxi entrepreneurs, including additional support for electric vehicle purchases. The scheme will provide free driving training, safety and customer-care instruction, and vehicle maintenance skills to women drivers, along with an incentive of Rs 2 lakh for purchasing electric taxis under the state’s EV policy.
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