Port Blair, Oct. 26: In the far-flung corners of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, women are now steering their own path to independence — quite literally. The ‘Sarthini’ Scheme, a joint initiative of the State Bank of India’s RSETI and the Transport Department, A&N Administration, is offering free driving training for women, helping them gain both skill and confidence behind the wheel.
Launched under the guidance of the Chief Secretary, the programme focuses on women from underprivileged and remote communities, providing not just driving lessons but also education on road safety, vehicle upkeep, and entrepreneurship.
Confidence on Wheels: The first batch of 34 women trainees from Swaraj Dweep recently completed their training and received driving licences and certificates. “Most of us never thought we’d drive on our own,” said Ms. Arpita Roy. “This programme has given us freedom and self-belief.”
Encouraged by its success, the scheme expanded to Car Nicobar, Katchal, Champin, Mayabunder, Diglipur, and Port Blair, enrolling over a hundred women so far. Participants from diverse backgrounds — including tribal, Karen, and Ranchi communities — have joined the movement with enthusiasm
From Training to Transformation: Many beneficiaries are already turning their new skills into income opportunities. Some have started offering school transport and tourism services, while others now use their vehicles for family needs and small businesses.
Ms. Anjali from Champin Island plans to start a travel agency. “This training gave me more than a skill — it gave me direction,” she said. Another trainee, Ms. Tanu from Katchal, shared that apart from driving lessons, participants learned about banking and government schemes, enhancing their financial awareness.
Driving toward inclusion: A senior Transport Department official said the initiative marks a “major step in women-led development,” adding that it improves both mobility and economic participation in remote islands. SBI officials echoed the sentiment, noting that Sarthini aligns with the bank’s vision of inclusive growth and community empowerment.
With plans to set up more training centres across the islands, the administration aims to reach women in even the most isolated villages.
From the winding roads of Swaraj Dweep to the serene coasts of Car Nicobar, the Sarthini Scheme is doing more than teaching women to drive — it’s helping them take control of their journeys, their livelihoods, and their futures.
