CHENNAI: The state government’s Pink Auto Scheme – launched with an eye on economically empowering women and enhancing the safety of woman passengers – seems to have at least partially failed in its objective, as many of these pink autos are now being driven by men.
Though the pink-coloured autos distributed under the scheme can be owned and driven only by women, TNIE spotted them being driven by men in Ayanavaram, around Chennai Central railway station, Thiruvanmiyur, Royapettah, MMDA Arumbakkam and even near the secretariat over the past week.
At a couple of places, they were mainly used for transporting goods and not passengers which is also against the permit issued by the regional transport offices.
A few men TNIE spoke to said they were driving these vehicles because they couldn’t get a loan themselves to buy an auto. A couple of woman beneficiaries cited certain practical difficulties as the reason for them to let the men drive the autos.
A male driver spotted driving a pink auto by TNIE in Thiruvanmiyur said he encouraged a female family member to apply for the scheme as he was ineligible for availing of a loan due to a poor CIBIL score and had been relying on driving autos owned by others, by paying huge rents.
A woman beneficiary from Ayanavaram said she was worried about paying her EMIs even after receiving a subsidy of Rs 1 lakh. “I couldn’t operate the auto for many days due to family commitments and was worried about missing EMI payments. So, I asked a male friend to drive it and pay me a rent daily,” she said.
Another woman beneficiary from MMDA Arumbakkam said she was unable to drive for many hours like their male counterparts due to family commitments. “I often do a few trips daily. During the idle time, my brother or cousin drives the vehicle,” she said.
Speaking to TNIE, transport department officials acknowledged that there were complaints about these autos being driven by men or used for transporting goods. “For the first permit violation, a penalty can be imposed. But, repeated offences could lead to permit cancellation,” said an official.
R Lilly, commissioner of the Social Welfare department, told TNIE the department has identified the autorickshaws operated by men. “Starting tomorrow (Friday), we have decided to seize such vehicles. Despite repeated warnings and clear instructions, they (men) have continued to drive.”
The scheme was launched by Chief Minister M K Stalin on Women’s Day on March 8.