Mon Mar 03 19:16:34 UTC 2025: ## Chennai’s “Pink Auto” Scheme Faces Snag: Credit Scores Exclude Women Applicants

**Chennai, March 4, 2025** – The much-anticipated launch of the Tamil Nadu government’s “pink auto” scheme, aimed at providing safe transportation for women in Chennai, has hit a roadblock. Several women applicants, who have completed training and met all other qualifications, have been rejected by banks due to low CIBIL credit scores.

The scheme, slated to launch on International Women’s Day (March 8th), offers a ₹1 lakh subsidy for pink auto-rickshaws to be owned and operated by women. These vehicles will be equipped with GPS and linked to a police helpline for enhanced safety.

However, applicants report that banks are requiring a minimum CIBIL score of 700, a requirement not initially stated. Many women, including those who took loans during the COVID-19 pandemic and are struggling to repay them, are being excluded. They argue that the credit score criterion unfairly disadvantages them.

One applicant, P. Sasikala, stated, “Initially, there was no condition about the CIBIL score, but now they say we don’t have a sufficient score and won’t get the pink auto.” Others echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the financial hardships many faced during the pandemic.

Several women, already working as auto drivers, expressed their disappointment, hoping the scheme would improve their livelihoods. They have submitted a representation to the Chennai Collector.

Responding to the issue, Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Minister P. Geetha Jeevan stated that the government is aware of the problem. She revealed that banks are adhering to Reserve Bank of India guidelines mandating CIBIL score consideration. However, she added that a meeting with banks resulted in an agreement to reduce the required CIBIL score by approximately 30 points.

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