Transport officials say they decided the women should have a different coloured rickshaw to the ubiquitous black and yellow ones to stop male relatives from taking them over."Ive taught them the A to Z of auto-rickshaw driving."People mocked us for leaving our homes and choosing to drive rickshaws but we hope we can inspire other women to come forward and take advantage of this great initiative," said driver Anita Kardak.Mumbai: Chaya Mohite slowly turns the accelerator as she carefully edges the salmon-coloured rickshaw forward, one of Mumbais first female auto drivers to make use of a government scheme aimed at empowering women. Im independent and it makes me happy," says Mohite, who hopes to earn 1,000 rupees ($15) a day.She is benefitting from a scheme introduced by the state government of Maharashtra, of which Mumbai is the capital, that reserves five percent of rickshaw permits for women. Rickshaw permits are highly sought after in Mumbai and can be big business, with owners often renting them out for a fee or lending them to others when their shift has finished.

"I couldnt even ride a bicycle but today I can drive an auto rickshaw.The mother of three has spent the past two months learning how to drive at a training centre in Mumbais eastern suburbs and is thrilled with her new skills and financial prospects."This job is much better than doing household work.It announced the plan in early Engine component tensioners Suppliers 2016, saying that 465 licences would be made available for women in Mumbai and the neighbouring district of Thane.Unlike similar schemes in New Delhi and Ranchi, where some pink autos are driven by women for women as a safety initiative, the Maharashtra drivers take both male and female passengers.. I can make more money and it helps us secure our futures," Mohite told AFP as she got in some last minute practice.It has led to some fears the women will be at risk because they will stand out, but Mohite isnt concerned."I dont think theres going to be any safety issue as were capable of looking after ourselves. Dhoipode says he is currently teaching more than 40 women how to drive while around 500 others have expressed an interest in learning despite some community opposition in the conservative country. They are now experts and have passed an official RTO (Regional Transport Office) test," Sudhir Dhoipode, the womens instructor, told AFP. Driving the rickshaw is a fun feeling and Im ready to drive anywhere in Mumbai," she said.Ready to drive anywhereServices started in Thane last year but Mohite and her new colleagues, who will sport white lab-coat-like uniforms, are the first to ply the streets of Indias most populated metropolis.The 45-year-old was one of 19 women who recently started jobs ferrying passengers through the notoriously congested streets of Indias financial capital in their new three-wheelers.