Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 13 August 2025
In a significant step towards women’s empowerment and road safety, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration has launched a new scheme, ‘SARTHINI’, aimed at providing free Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving training to eligible women across the Islands.
The scheme, developed in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI) and its Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI), was officially launched by Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, in the presence of senior officers of the Administration and SBI officials.
Under SARTHINI, women—especially from poor and underprivileged backgrounds—will be trained in correct driving practices, enabling them to explore employment and self-employment opportunities as professional drivers. The initiative also includes entrepreneurship training as part of the curriculum to help participants become self-reliant.
Initially, the program will be rolled out in Sri Vijaya Puram and Swaraj Dweep, with plans to expand to other islands. The training will be conducted across all districts, with efforts made to accommodate candidates near the training locations.
Eligibility and Application:
Women aged 18 and above can apply at the Transport Department offices or SBI RSETI, Sri Vijaya Puram. Preference will be given to:
• Scheduled Tribe (ST) women
• Women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families
• Members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
• Women from MGNREGA-registered families with at least 35 days of work in the last year
• Other unemployed women
Each batch will accommodate 25 candidates for a 30-day training program. SBI RSETI will handle the training arrangements, with support from the Transport Department where required. Upon completion and passing the driving test, participants will be issued driving licenses. (Story Based on PR)
