Government kick-starts Amma two-wheeler scheme

The announcement came on the same day as the bus fare hike that had caused resentment among the public especially women.

Under the Amma two-wheeler scheme, the government would provide Rs 25,000 or 50 per cent of the price of the two-wheeler depending on whichever is the lowest.

An official statement added that the applicants could get their contribution to buy the vehicle from any bank authorised by the Reserve Bank of India, but they could only buy vehicles with 125 cc capacity under the scheme. The age criteria for the candidates would be from 18 to 40 and their annual income should not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh.

As per the eligibility criteria for the applicants, preference would be given to working women belonging to organised and unorganised sector, commercial firms, government-aided or private institutions, besides those working to implement government welfare schemes. Among them, preference would be given to those living in hilly areas, disabled and those who remain unmarried even after 35 years of age, besides destitute women.

The applications could be obtained from the offices of local bodies, taluk offices and collector offices from Monday. The documents for driving licence, income tax, employment, education and community, besides Aadhaar card copy should be submitted.

The initial plan was to offer a concession of Rs 20,000, which was hiked to Rs 25,000 during the recent Assembly session. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had said 1,00,000 women would be provided the concession every year.