Uber launches UberSHAAN to create one million livelihood opportunities by 2018

The initiative will also support the entrepreneurial ambitions of licensed drivers through vehicle financing and leasing solutions

Smartphone app that connects riders with drivers at the push of a button Uber has announced the launch of UberSHAAN, an initiative aimed at creating one million livelihood opportunities as micro-entrepreneurs in India by 2018.

UberSHAAN will focus at expanding economic opportunities across the spectrum and will provide access to skill development and driver training to the unskilled.

The initiative will also aim to help trained drivers receive commercial licenses and support the entrepreneurial ambitions of licensed drivers through vehicle financing and leasing solutions.

"Through concerted efforts towards skill development and entrepreneurship building, we can mobilise the untapped potential of millions of Indians and support them in their journey towards self reliance and micro entrepreneurship," said Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Rajiv Pratap Rudy.

"In this context, UberSHAAN's vision to skill and empower one million individuals in the next two years and help them turn micro-entrepreneurs is creditable. We extend whole hearted support to this initiative and encourage people to benefit from this scheme," added Rudy.

"With UberSHAAN, our plan is to rapidly scale India's entrepreneurial base and generate one million livelihood opportunities on the Uber platform by 2018. Our partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation and Maruti Suzuki will be instrumental in realising our goal by 2018," said President Uber India, Amit Jain.

As part of the MoU signed with Maruti, the two will conduct a four month pilot in Delhi/NCR, Hyderabad and Chennai and organize driver training and on-boarding programmes, which is required to join the Uber platform.

On completion of training and receipt of a commercial license, Uber will also be supporting the journey of successful candidates by offering vehicle financing and leasing solutions. Based on learning's from the pilot, the partnership will be expanded to other cities across India.

"We are excited to partner with Uber India to train individuals in safe driving and provide micro-entrepreneurship opportunities to them. We expect to train 30,000 drivers under this programme. Through this partnership, we will be able to promote safe and responsible driving while facilitating meaningful livelihood for youth," said Executive Director (Marketing and Sales) Maruti Suzuki, R S Kalsi.