Kerala Government is launching a project to empower women of the state of Kerala.  The project is ‘She Taxi’ and the date of launch is 19th November.  

A fleet of taxis all manned by women (or should we say managed by women) totally is the idea that struck the mind of the Government of Kerala to implement with a 5 cabs to start with.  The plan is to make it reach a total of 300 cabs with 24/7 service in the She Taxi scheme.  

As per the scheme the women want to make it their profession has to buy the vehicle on which loan will be arranged from Kerala State Women Development Corporation.  Maruti Suzuki India Ltd is supplying vehicles at a concessional rate to contribute to the cause.  The Government of Kerala reckons that the She Taxi driver will make a sum of Rs.20000/- per month after payment of the loan installment which will give her financial independence.  

As far as the safety is concerned, the movements will be monitored by a special control room.  Emergency switches will be made available for the drivers and passengers.  Mobile phones with safety maps, GPRS and emergency alert will be provided.  

If the ever growing threat to the security of women is addressed by the Government as it promises, it will be a very good move towards making socio economic empowerment of women.  

-SriJa