Project Shakti, a collaborative effort funded by the Bihar Skill Development Mission (BSDM), implemented by the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), and supported by Patna Municipal Corporation, is transforming lives in Bihar. This initiative trains and certifies women in E-Rickshaw driving, aiming to enhance their employability and promote financial independence. With 350 women enrolled and assessed, and 339 successfully certified (a 97% success rate) as of the first quarter, the project is effectively addressing unemployment among underrepresented women while meeting the demand for skilled drivers in electric mobility. Project Shakti is not just a training program; it’s a movement that’s challenging stereotypes and empowering women to steer their own futures.
The Saksham initiative represents a transformative partnership with the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), designed to empower women aged 18 and above through comprehensive, industry-aligned skill development programs. Focused primarily on the sales and service sectors within the automotive industry, this initiative delivers a holistic approach to professional development that extends beyond technical competencies to encompass confidence building, communication enhancement, and workplace readiness preparation.
The Saksham initiative has demonstrated remarkable success across multiple metrics:
- 4,113 women successfully completed training programs across diverse geographical regions.
- 3,716 women underwent comprehensive assessment procedures.
- 3,555 certifications awarded, achieving an impressive certification rate of over 86%.
- 50% placement rate achieved, demonstrating successful transition from training to employment.
Program implementation across 21 states nationwide
Partnership network comprising 13 dedicated training partners and 57 training centres Coverage spanning 46 districts, extending from Assam in the northeast to Rajasthan in the west, and from Punjab in the north to Kerala in the south
The initiative addresses critical industry needs while promoting gender inclusion through:
- Future-Ready Skills Development: Integration of emerging automotive technologies, including electric vehicle (EV) servicing capabilities.
- Women Empowerment: Targeted programs designed to enhance women’s participation in the automotive sector.
- Gender Inclusion: Systematic efforts to create more inclusive opportunities within the automotive industry ecosystem.
Through its comprehensive approach, the Saksham initiative has established a robust foundation for sustainable women’s participation in the automotive sector, contributing to both individual career advancement and broader industry transformation toward greater gender diversity and inclusion.
In recognition of its outstanding impact, the Saksham initiative by ASDC has garnered significant acclaim and received two prestigious awards in 2024–25. The project was honored with the Pride of India (Social Impact Award) and an Indian CSR Award for Women Empowerment, underscoring its success in creating transformative livelihood opportunities for women in the automotive sector. These recognitions underscore the initiative’s effectiveness in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women and reaffirm ASDC’s commitment to driving inclusive growth and gender diversity in the workforce.
Project Saksham, has garnered significant recognition in the 2024-25 awards cycle. The project proudly received two prestigious accolades at the Indian CSR Awards 2024:
- Social Impact Award
- Indian CSR Award
Project Sakhi, funded by the SIDBI Swavalamban Foundation, is a transformative initiative in partnership with BluSmart and ASDC. Its core objective is to train 250 underprivileged women as electric vehicle (EV) taxi drivers, securing them employment with BluSmart and fostering economic independence and workforce inclusivity in the burgeoning EV sector
- 97 women have commenced training under the initiative, with 27 successfully completing the program. 53 candidates have been successfully placed
- The ASDC-designed curriculum covers EV operations, driving techniques, safety, customer service, and maintenance.
Project Sakhi not only provides economic empowerment and sustainable employment but also promotes gender diversity in the workforce and supports environmental goals through the adoption of green mobility.
These initiatives collectively demonstrate a powerful truth: investing in women’s skills and opportunities drives not only individual economic progress but also significant social transformation for the entire nation.
