A section of applicants who were hopeful of getting the to-be-launched ‘pink auto’ from the Tamil Nadu government is a disgruntled lot, as the women claim the process used to shortlist candidates – CIBIL credit rating scores – was disadvantageous to them. The Tamil Nadu government had announced that it would launch the pink auto initiative for Chennai city on occasion of the International Women’s Day on March 8.

Though several applicants have met all other qualifications and have even undergone training organised by the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC) and Greater Chennai Police (GCP), their applications have been turned down by the banks citing low CIBIL scores, they said. They said banks demand a minimum CIBIL score of 700.

“Initially, there was no condition about CIBIL score but now, they are saying we don’t have the [sufficient] CIBIL score and so won’t get the pink auto,” said P. Sasikala, one of the unsuccessul applicants. Many of the applicants claimed they took loans during the COVID-19 period and were not able to pay back the loan. Meanwhile, the interest payable has multiplied since, pointed out another applicant A. Priyanka.

S. Jeeva said: “I have lost my husband and have been a auto driver for a few years. I was hoping that the pink auto would change my life. If only we had a better CIBIL score, we may not even need government’s helping hand. We are even ready to fund the sum even if the banks reject us.”

Other applicants R. Mala, S. Samundeeswari and P. Rubini whose applications have been turned down, said that they all have been driving auto rickshaws for the past few years but could not own an autorickshaw. “We were hoping that the pink autos would improve our livelihood,” they said. They have submitted a representation in this regard to Chennai Collector.

While the TNSDC issued certificates to them on skill competency in automotive sector last month, the GCP provided self-defence training, as part of capacity building initiative under Safe City Projects (Nirbhaya Fund) last month.

When The Hindu contacted, Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment P. Geetha Jeevan said: “This has come to our notice. Banks are citing the advisory from the Reserve Bank of India to mandatorily consider CIBIL score for the beneficiaries of such schemes. We held a meeting with the banks and they have accepted to reduce the CIBIL score by about 30 points.”

The State government is extending a subsidy of ₹1 lakh to each of the pink autos. Pink autos to be owned and driven by women drivers, would be installed with GPS/VLTD connected to the police helpline to ensure rapid response during emergencies. They are aimed at helping women passengers commute safely from the train and bus termini.