The Amma Two Wheeler Scheme is a state government initiative in Tamil Nadu designed to help working women purchase a gearless or auto-geared two-wheeler for commuting to work, enterprises or community engagements.
It was launched around 2018, and the core benefit is a subsidy: up to 50% of the vehicle’s cost or ₹25,000 (whichever is lower).
The aim: improve mobility for working women, especially from economically weaker sections, and thereby support employment, enterprise and independence.
Who is the Scheme For – Working Women and Ladies
This scheme is specifically meant for women (including transgender women in certain cases) who are working or self-employed, and who need a vehicle to commute to an enterprise, institution or workplace.
It’s often described as a “two-wheeler scheme for ladies” because of its focus on female beneficiaries. The scheme covers both urban and rural areas of Tamil Nadu.
If you’re a woman aged between 18 and 40, with valid licence, working in any sector (organised/unorganised), this scheme may apply to you (subject to other eligibility criteria below).
Eligibility Criteria for the Amma Two Wheeler Scheme
Here are the main eligibility conditions (as of the publicly available sources):
- You must reside in Tamil Nadu and be a native of the state.
- Age between 18 and 40 years.
- Must know to drive, and hold a valid two-wheeler Driving Licence (DL) or at least a Learner’s Licence, at the time of application/subsidy claim.
- Annual income of the family must not exceed ₹2.50 lakhs (i.e., ₹2,50,000) for many applicants.
- Must have appeared for Class 8 examination (passed or failed) – a basic educational qualification.
- Only one woman per family is permitted to avail the benefit under the scheme.
- Vehicle proposed must meet certain specifications (see next section).
Additionally, priority is given to certain categories: women in remote/hilly areas; women-headed households; deserted/ widowed women; differently-abled women; unmarried women above age 35; SC/ST women; and transgenders.
Note on other states: If you’re asking about eligibility in Karnataka or another state, I did not locate a scheme exactly like this under the same name in Karnataka. So if you live in Karnataka you’d need to check for a similar state-scheme specific to Karnataka. This scheme is specific to Tamil Nadu.
Scheme Details: Subsidy, Vehicle Specifications & Benefits
Here are the specification and benefit details of the Amma Two Wheeler Scheme:
Subsidy
- The state government offers 50% of the vehicle cost or a cap of ₹25,000, whichever is lower, as a subsidy
- It is expected to benefit around 1 lakh (100,000) women each year.
Vehicle Specifications
- The two-wheeler must be gearless/auto-geared (ease of use for women commuters).
- Maximum engine capacity is up to 125 cc.
- The vehicle should be brand-new (not second-hand) and compliant with registration and manufacturing norms (e.g., manufactured after January 1, 2018).
- For differently-abled women, there is a provision for a retro-fitted three-wheeler scooter
Benefits
- Enables easier and safer commuting for working women, reducing time and cost burdens
- Direct subsidy disbursement into beneficiary bank account for transparency.
- Encourages women’s employment, entrepreneurship, mobility and independence.
How to Apply for the Amma Two Wheeler Scheme (2025 Update)
If you plan to apply online or offline, here are the steps:
Online Registration / Apply Online
- Visit the official portal or the scheme page of the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women (or the women’s welfare department site in Tamil Nadu).
- Download the application form (if required) or fill the online application if available. Some sources indicate you still need to submit physically.
- Complete the application with personal details (name, age, address, income, driving licence details), employment/workplace data, vehicle quotation details, bank account details etc.
- Submit the application (along with requisite documents) to your Block Office (rural) or Urban Local Body office (urban) or as directed online.
- Receive acknowledgement/application number for tracking.
- After approval, purchase the eligible two-wheeler, submit the vehicle registration certificate and other required details, then claim the subsidy.
Offline Application Process
- You can collect the application form free from Block Offices, Urban Local Body (ULB) offices or District Collectors’ offices.
- Fill in required information and attach documents: proof of age, address, income certificate, driving licence or learner’s, educational qualification (8th class), community certificate if applicable, vehicle quotation etc
- Submit at the designated office; applications will be scrutinised and beneficiaries selected by district-level committee.
- On approval and purchase of vehicle, the subsidy amount is credited into your bank account or paid to loan account depending on financing route.
Important Note: Some sources indicate that the scheme was “Permanently Closed” or not currently active. For example, one site states: “Scheme Permanently Closed” after 2021 under the new government.
Therefore, if you are planning in 2025, you must check current status from official departmental website or contact the helpline before proceeding.
Is the Amma Two Wheeler Scheme Still Available? Status & Latest Updates
While the scheme has been widely publicised and used, there are conflicting reports about its current status:
- The official language in many sources says “each year one lakh women will be benefitted” and indicates ongoing benefits.
- However, one portal (govtschemes.in) lists the scheme as “Permanently Closed” and says the nodal department is the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women.
Given this ambiguity, I strongly recommend you check with the Women’s Welfare Department, Tamil Nadu or call the helpline number before starting your application. If you search for “Amma two wheeler scheme 2025 apply online”, make sure the portal is active and applications are being accepted.
Amma Two Wheeled Scheme in Tamil Nadu: State-Specifics & Implementation
Since the scheme is specific to Tamil Nadu, here are some state-specific details:
- The subsidy limit (₹25,000 or 50%) applies across the state – both rural and urban areas
- The two-wheeler specification (gearless/auto-geared) applies state-wide.
- The scheme intends to cover around 1 lakh women each year in the state.
- Priorities: SC/ST, differently-abled women, women in remote/hilly regions. For example, 21% of slots reserved for SC women; 1% for ST; 4% for differently-abled.
- Example: In the district of Krishnagiri, for the year 2017-18, 2,633 beneficiaries were allotted under this scheme.
- The vehicle must be for the beneficiary’s own use (not for resale for at least a certain period) and registration rules apply.
Tips & FAQs: Things to Know Before You Apply
Tips:
- Ensure your driving licence or learner’s licence is valid and uploaded / attached. Without this, subsidy might be withheld.
- Be sure your family’s annual income certificate is correct and upto date (under ₹2.5 lakhs) otherwise you may be disqualified.
- Choose a two-wheeler that meets the specification (gearless/auto-geared, ≤125cc) and retain the invoice/quotation for submission.
- If you are differently-abled, check the special provisions (three-wheeler retro-fitted) under the scheme.
- Keep all documents (proof of residence, Aadhaar, bank account, income, licence, school certificate etc) ready before applying.
- Check application deadline and whether applications are still accepted for the scheme in your district.
- After purchase, submit vehicle registration certificate and subsidy claim form promptly to avoid delays in subsidy transfer.
FAQs:
Can I apply before buying the scooter?
No. You must purchase the vehicle first and then claim the subsidy on submission of registration certificate.
Is the subsidy credited before vehicle purchase?
No — the vehicle must be bought, registered, and then subsidy is reimbursed/credited.
If I have only a Learner’s Licence at time of application, am I eligible?
Yes in many cases you can apply, but you may be required to have full DL at the time of subsidy claim.
Is the scheme open to women in all parts of India?
No — this particular scheme is specific to Tamil Nadu. Residents of other states must check state-specific schemes.
What happens if the scheme is “closed” or no longer open?
You would need to look for alternative state/central programmes or wait for next intake/opening of the scheme; thus verifying current status is very important.
Conclusion: Should You Apply? And What Next?
If you are a working woman in Tamil Nadu (age 18-40, family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakhs, valid licence, looking to buy a two-wheeler for your commute) then the Amma Two Wheeler Scheme presents a very attractive opportunity — the subsidy of up to ₹25,000 or 50% of vehicle cost is significant, and having your own vehicle can boost your commuting reliability, safety and independence.