The scheme “Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Electric Auto (e-Auto) Subsidy Scheme” was launched by the Adi Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled Tribes Welfare, Government of Puducherry. The scheme aims to socially and economically empower Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe women by supporting them in income-generating activities through the use of electric autos. It promotes eco-friendly public transportation and intends to make these women self-reliant. The applications for this scheme are accepted offline.

Benefits

• A subsidy of 75% of the total cost of the electric auto (e-Auto) or ₹3,00,000/- whichever is less will be paid.
• This subsidy is paid after utilizing Central Government incentives under the Pradhan Mantri E-DRIVE Scheme (FAME-3), which provides a maximum subsidy of ₹50,000/-.
• The total cost of the electric auto will be calculated excluding extra accessories.

Disbursement

In case the beneficiary has already purchased the vehicle: The applicant must submit the original invoice along with the application to the Department, and the subsidy amount will then be credited to the beneficiary’s account.

In case the beneficiary has not purchased the vehicle: The applicant must pay 25% of the total cost of the vehicle as an initial payment to the dealer. The applicant has to submit the invoice for payment along with the application, and the subsidy amount will then be credited to the dealer’s account.

Post-Selection Obligations

• The beneficiary should not cause or permit a male driver to drive the vehicle.
• The beneficiary must retain all relevant documents for 5 years from the date of subsidy disbursement.
• The applicant has no power to sale/lease or any other transfer of ownership of the vehicle for a period of 5 years.
• If the information furnished by the beneficiary is false or if the electric auto is found to have been sold within the 5-year period, the total subsidy is liable to be returned to the Government or recovered with interest from the beneficiary.

Eligibility

• The applicant should belong to the Union Territory of Puducherry either by virtue of birth or by virtue of continuous residence of not less than 5 years.
• The applicant must be of the Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe community recognized by the Union Territory of Puducherry.
• The applicant must be a woman.
• The total annual income of the applicant and her spouse must not exceed ₹2,00,000/-.
• The applicant must be at least 18 years old and not more than 45 years old on the date of application.
• The applicant must not be availing assistance under a prolonged disease.
• The applicant must have a valid driving licence for operating the electric auto issued by a Competent Authority.
• The applicant must not have availed of a similar subsidy under any other State / Central Scheme for the same purpose.
• Only one person per family can avail the benefit once in their lifetime.
• *Applicants shall be selected by seniority in age on a first-come-first-served basis.

Application Process

Offline

• Step 1: The interested applicant should take a printout of the prescribed format of the application form.
• Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, and attach copies of all the mandatory documents.
• Step 3: Applicants in the Puducherry region should submit the application to the Director; Karaikal and Yanam regions to the Assistant Director; Mahe region to the Regional Administrator.

Post-Application Processes

• Step 1: Review and Selection Methodology: All applications must be reviewed by the designated Welfare Inspector. Selection should be made by giving an advertisement in the leading dailies.
• Step 2: Applicant Selection: Eligible applicants shall be selected by seniority in age on a first-come-first-served basis. If more than 50 applications are received, selection may be by drawing lots.

Monitoring and Compliance

• The beneficiary list shall be uploaded in the Urban Development Housing portal to avoid duplication.
• The Registering Authority shall block the transaction for transfer of ownership in the VAHAN software for a period of 5 years.

Documents Required

• Copy Of The Birth Certificate / Age Proof.
• Nativity, Residence, Caste, and Income Certificates (from Revenue Department, not below rank of Deputy Tahsildar).
• Copy Of Aadhaar Card.
• Copy Of Valid Driving Licence For Operating The Electric Auto.
• Declaration (On ₹10 Stamp Paper).
• Final/Original Invoice (if already purchased) or Invoice for Payment (after 25% initial payment).