The Government of Gujarat, through the Gujarat Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (GBOCWWB) under the Labour, Skill Development & Employment Department, has launched the Go-Green Three Wheelers Scheme. This welfare initiative is aimed at providing sustainable livelihood opportunities to registered construction workers who have become disabled or incapacitated due to workplace accidents.
The scheme focuses on empowering such workers by enabling them to purchase battery-operated three-wheelers (e-rickshaws) with substantial government subsidies. This initiative not only supports the financial independence of disabled construction workers but also contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting the use of eco-friendly electric vehicles across the state.
The scheme is a part of Gujarat’s broader goal of inclusive growth and social justice, ensuring that no worker or their family suffers from financial distress due to accidental disability during employment.
Objectives of the Scheme
The Go-Green Three Wheelers Scheme has been designed with a dual purpose — social welfare and environmental sustainability.
The major objectives are as follows:
- To provide financial assistance to disabled construction workers through a one-time subsidy for purchasing a battery-operated tricycle (e-rickshaw).
- To promote self-employment opportunities for registered construction workers who have lost their earning capacity due to workplace accidents.
- To ensure economic stability for the families of disabled workers by providing them with an alternate source of livelihood.
- To encourage the adoption of clean and green electric vehicles, thereby contributing to Gujarat’s vision of a pollution-free and sustainable transport system.
- To complement other state and central government EV initiatives, ensuring holistic support for electric mobility and worker welfare.
Key Features of the Scheme
The Go-Green Three Wheelers Scheme offers a wide range of benefits and facilities to eligible beneficiaries. Below are its key highlights:
- Implementing Authority: Gujarat Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (GBOCWWB).
- Department: Labour, Skill Development & Employment Department, Government of Gujarat.
- Beneficiary Group: Registered construction workers who have become disabled due to an accident while working at a construction site.
- Vehicle Type Covered: Battery-operated three-wheelers (e-rickshaws) with lithium-ion batteries.
- Type of Support: One-time subsidy and reimbursement of road tax and registration charges.
- Mode of Application: Offline through the district office of the GBOCWWB.
- Approval Authority: District Nirikshak, State Project Manager, Government Labour Officer, and Member Secretary.
- Additional Support: The subsidy provided under this scheme is over and above the assistance available through other electric vehicle-related government schemes.
This scheme demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing both social security and environmental protection in a single initiative.
Subsidy Amount and Financial Benefits
Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided as a one-time subsidy to support the purchase of a new electric three-wheeler.
Details of the Subsidy:
- Subsidy Amount:
- 50% of the ex-showroom price of the three-wheeler, or
- ₹48,000 (whichever is less).
- Additional Benefits:
- Reimbursement of registration fees and road tax paid at the time of vehicle purchase.
- The motor vehicle tax amount for the new three-wheeler, fixed by the State Government and applicable to persons with disabilities, will be borne by the Welfare Board.
- Additional Note:
- The subsidy offered under this scheme is in addition to any financial support received from other electric vehicle (EV) incentive programs run by the State or Central Government.
This means beneficiaries can effectively reduce their total cost of purchase significantly, making electric three-wheelers an affordable and sustainable income-generating option.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Go-Green Three Wheelers Scheme, applicants must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:
- Registration Requirement:
- The applicant must be a registered construction worker under the Gujarat Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (GBOCWWB).
- Disability Condition:
- The applicant must have become disabled or incapacitated due to an accident while working at a construction site.
- Ownership Condition:
- The electric tricycle or e-rickshaw must be purchased in the name of the registered disabled worker.
- License Requirement:
- The applicant must hold a valid tri-cycle license to operate the electric three-wheeler.
- Frequency of Assistance:
- The benefit can be availed only once per registered construction disabled worker.
- Vehicle Type:
- The vehicle must be a battery-operated lithium-ion three-wheeler designed for personal or commercial use.
By ensuring these eligibility criteria, the government aims to support genuinely deserving beneficiaries who rely on this assistance for livelihood generation.
Reservation Policy
The Go-Green Three Wheelers Scheme is specifically targeted toward registered disabled construction workers under the Gujarat Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
Since the scheme’s primary focus is on a vulnerable and special category — persons with disabilities (PwDs) who are also part of the construction workforce — the entire scheme acts as a reserved welfare initiative under the social justice framework.
However, beneficiaries are selected based on:
- Valid registration under GBOCWWB,
- Proof of disability due to workplace accident, and
- Availability of funds allocated for the financial year.
There are no gender-based or community-based reservations since the eligibility is strictly defined for disabled construction workers.
Distribution of Subsidies
The distribution process under the Go-Green Three Wheelers Scheme is structured to ensure transparency and accountability at every level.
The process of subsidy distribution is as follows:
- Application Verification:
- Applications are first verified by the District Nirikshak (Inspector) to ensure eligibility and document authenticity.
- Forwarding to Head Office:
- Verified applications are then submitted to the State Project Manager at the Head Office of GBOCWWB.
- Approval Process:
- The Government Labour Officer and Member Secretary review the application for final approval.
- Fund Disbursement:
- After approval, the Accounts Officer releases the sanctioned subsidy amount directly to the beneficiary’s account.
This systematic structure guarantees that only verified and eligible applicants receive the subsidy within a reasonable timeframe.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
The application process for the Go-Green Three Wheelers Scheme is completely offline and simple to follow.
Step 1: Visit the Nearest District Office
The applicant must visit the district office of the Gujarat Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
Step 2: Collect and Fill the Application Form
Obtain the prescribed application form from the district office. Fill out all required details such as:
- Applicant’s name,
- Registration number,
- Disability certificate information,
- Vehicle purchase details,
- Bank account details, etc.
Step 3: Attach Required Documents
Attach all necessary documents (listed below) with the completed application form. Ensure all details are accurate and the documents are self-attested.
Step 4: Submit to the Concerned Official
Submit the filled-in form along with the documents to the concerned officer at the district office.
Step 5: District-Level Verification
The application will first be reviewed by the District Nirikshak for eligibility confirmation.
Step 6: Head Office Approval
After district approval, the application is forwarded to the State Project Manager at the Head Office. Further approval is granted by the Government Labour Officer and Member Secretary.
Step 7: Reimbursement and Subsidy Release
Upon final approval, the Accounts Officer disburses the subsidy and reimbursements directly into the applicant’s registered bank account.
This step-by-step offline process ensures personal verification and direct interaction between the beneficiary and the officials, reducing chances of error or fraud.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to submit the following documents along with their application form:
- Aadhaar Card – for identification and verification.
- e-Nirman Card – proof of registration with the Gujarat Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
- RTO Registration Certificate – of the purchased electric three-wheeler.
- Valid Three-Wheeler License – authorization to operate the vehicle.
- Disability Certificate – issued by the Certifying Civil Surgeon confirming incapacity due to workplace accident.
- Bank Account Details – for direct transfer of subsidy.
- Passport-sized Photograph – for identification purposes.
- Any Additional Documents – as requested by the approving authority during verification.
All documents must be submitted in original (for verification) and in photocopy form (for records).
Duration and Validity
- The scheme provides a one-time financial assistance and hence does not have recurring yearly benefits.
- The assistance is valid only for new purchases of electric three-wheelers.
- Each registered disabled worker can avail the benefit only once during their lifetime.
Impact of the Scheme
The Go-Green Three Wheelers Scheme represents a model blend of social welfare and environmental policy. It helps achieve:
- Social Empowerment: By supporting disabled construction workers with a means of self-employment.
- Financial Stability: By providing a sustainable income source through electric vehicle ownership.
- Environmental Sustainability: By promoting electric mobility and reducing carbon emissions.
- Inclusion and Dignity: By integrating disabled workers into the mainstream economy.
This initiative is part of Gujarat’s ongoing mission to make the state both socially equitable and environmentally responsible.
