CM Stalin launches Pink Auto scheme on International Women’s Day

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin launched the Pink Auto Scheme along with various welfare initiatives for women at a function held at Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai on the occasion of International Women's Day.
The Pink Auto Scheme aims to enhance women's safety and promote women's empowerment by introducing women auto drivers in Tamil Nadu. The scheme was first announced by Social Welfare Minister Geetha Jeevan during the Legislative Assembly session in June 2023. Under the scheme, 200 women auto drivers will receive Rs. 1 lakh subsidies each, with the government allocating Rs. 2 crore for the initiative.
The Pink Auto Scheme requires the entire auto to be pink in color, with only women drivers permitted to operate the vehicles. Drivers must wear pink uniforms, and each auto will be equipped with GPS tracking systems and location monitoring devices to ensure passenger safety.
During the event, the Chief Minister distributed autos to 250 women in the first phase and handed out identity cards to members of Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Additionally, bank loans worth Rs. 3,000 crore were linked to benefit women from SHGs under the Tamil Nadu Women's Development Corporation.
As part of the Women's Day celebrations, women achievers from various fields were also honoured with awards and prizes. The new initiatives underscore the Tamil Nadu government’s commitment to women's safety, financial independence, and empowerment.