Patna: Bihar’s ambitious Mukhya Mantri Gram Parivahan Yojana is transforming lives in its villages, enabling 45,000 rural youth to become self-employed vehicle owners since its launch in 2018. The scheme, aimed at enhancing rural transport connectivity, is also creating avenues for economic independence among Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Extremely Backward Classes.
According to the Transport Department, in the current 11th phase that began in June 2024, more than 3,500 rural youth have applied to buy vehicles, and nearly 900 have already completed their purchases. The remaining beneficiaries are undergoing the grant approval process.
Under the scheme, four beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and three from Extremely Backward Classes in each panchayat receive subsidies for vehicle purchases. The state provides up to 50% of the vehicle cost or a maximum of Rs 1,00,000 for general passenger vehicles, while e-rickshaw buyers get a subsidy of up to 50% or Rs 70,000, directly credited to their bank accounts. During the Covid-19 pandemic, a subsidy of up to Rs 2,00,000 was offered for ambulances.
Transport Secretary Sandeep Kumar R Pudkalkatti said the scheme not only strengthens rural connectivity to block and district headquarters but also empowers weaker social groups by providing them with stable incomes. He emphasised that the department is ensuring eligible beneficiaries in every panchayat access this opportunity.
