For many women, starting a business is a step towards becoming financially independent. But turning this dream into reality is not always easy. Women who want to become e-rickshaw entrepreneurs can face challenges in securing loans, completing paperwork, finding suitable training and understanding the rules for running a business. Although different organisations may be available to help,women often struggle to connect with the right support at the right time.

To address these challenges, Development Alternatives initiated Arya Manch, a platform that brings women entrepreneurs and different support organisations together. It provides a space where women can share their concerns directly with government departments, banks, e-rickshaw vendors, the police, the RTO, training institutions and community organisations. The aim is to improve coordination among these stakeholders so that women can get the support they need to start and run their businesses. The platform gives these stakeholders a space to discuss challenges together and identify practical solutions.

On 14 October 2026, Development Alternatives organised an Arya Manch meeting in Sitapur. More than 20 Cluster Level Federation (CLF) leaders and cadres, along with 15 institutional stakeholders, came together to discuss opportunities for women-led enterprises.

One discussion focused on the challenges faced by women e-rickshaw drivers. Participants highlighted that new drivers sometimes receive traffic challans because they are not fully aware of traffic rules, required documents, and legal procedures. It was agreed that Development Alternatives and the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission (UPSRLM) would coordinate with the Traffic Police Department to organise an orientation session on these issues.

The meeting also explored the possibility of setting up a community-managed charging and parking station for e-rickshaws. Such a facility could make daily operations easier for women drivers while creating an additional source of income for their CLFs.

Alongside safe mobility, participants discussed other livelihood opportunities. Samosas, peda and chilli-based products were identified as potential offerings under the One District One Cuisine initiative, with opportunities to develop food carts and small food businesses led by women’s groups. An inspiring example came from Nirma Devi of Biswan Block, who established her e-rickshaw enterprise under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Yojana. Her experience, with an income of around INR 30,000 per month, showed how such businesses can help women earn their own income and become financially independent.

Through Arya Manch, women explored the support they need to start and grow their enterprises. Banks and financial institutions explained loan options, while government departments like DIC & Khadi Gramodyog guided women on available schemes and application procedures. Training institutions and vendors provided technical guidance, and community institutions such as SHGs, and CLFs helped women access local support.

When women have access to information, finance, training and the right institutional support, they can make informed decisions and run their businesses with greater confidence. Arya Manch works towards building this kind of support system, where women’s concerns and efforts to become financially independent receive the support they need. Encouraging women to take the first step matters. So does ensuring that they have the support to continue and grow their businesses.