Bhubaneswar: The state transport department on Tuesday started a drivers' training programme for 78 women from various self-help groups in the corporation area at the Government Driving Training Institute here.

The two-month training is a part of the women and child development department's Mission Shakti scheme.

Joint commissioner and institute principal M.R. Mishra said the participants would undergo a month of classroom training, along with driving experience using simulators.

"The participants will also receive field training by our instructors. They will get driving licences and certificates once they complete the training," said Mishra. The participants, all aged between 18 and 35, will also receive training on road safety and traffic norms.

Transport officials, however, said the participants would only receive a commercial licence after a year.

"Car owners can hire them as drivers. If they want to drive cabs in future, they will have to approach the Regional Transport Office once they accumulate one-year experience on non-commercial vehicles, to get the licence," said a transport official.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik also praised the initiative, with the chief minister's office tweeting: "Commendable step by mission shakti and CTOdisha to train women as drivers in the state. In the first phase 78 SHG women have started training as commercial drivers marking their entry in to a largely male-dominated sector. A step towards Gender Equality & Women Empowerment."

Though the institute had earlier trained women drivers through advertisements, very few women took part.

"We tied up with the women and child development department, which has given the requisition to train the self-help group members, to address the issue," said another official.

The participants also hailed the move. "Driving has been the domain of men, and most women hesitate to take it up as a profession. But, the training will allow us to take up driving to earn a living," said Jyoti Lakshmi Dakua.