Pune: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has recruited 163 women drivers on its staff, the first such move in the country.
On Friday, former president Pratibha Patil inaugurated the Women Drivers Training Programme on behalf of MSRTC.
State Transport Minister Diwakar Raote was the Chief Guest of the event.
Legislative Council Deputy Speaker Neelam Gorhe, MLA Madhuri Misal, Maharashtra State Transport Board Vice President and Managing Director Ranjitsinh Deol, Central Roads Research Institute Director Captain Rajendra Sanel-Patil and General Manager of the corporation Madhav Kale were present.
In her speech, Patil said women can prove their abilities when given an opportunity in any field.
“The MSRTC has taken an important step by training women as ST drivers. Their (women’s) confidence and courage will inspire all,” she said.“MSRTC is working successfully after facing tough challenges. Various schemes launched by the MSRTC are useful for the community. By recruiting women drivers, the corporation has shown them a new way of living. This step is very brave and all of us need collective efforts to succeed. The initiative has given a new model for the country,” she said.
“State Transport has worked to create positivity. On an experimental basis, we have introduced women taxi drivers and Aboli Rickshaw for women. This is empowering women and providing them employment. The training programme for 163 women drivers is aimed to promote women and girls in the State. It is the transport department’s policy to create jobs, for which the rickshaw driver’s licence was started. Vision Next Hospital in Pune has made eye tests available for the ST staff. Also, after 55 years on volunteer retirement, they will be paid Rs 10 lakh along with all post-retirement benefits. Retired employees will be allowed free travel discounts for spouses up to 65 years. At present, there are 36,000 bus drivers in ST. There will be at least 10,000 women bus drivers in the next few years,” said Diwakar Raote.
Gorhe called it a historic day for women’s empowerment. “The Transport Corporation has taken a radical step for women’s empowerment,” she said.
Meanwhile, former president Pratibha Patil handed over the appointment letters to 15 female ST drivers in a representative form. These women include Pratiksha Sangve from Pune, Saroj Hande from Kolhapur, Meena Vanamane from Sangli, Poonam Dange from Solapur, Madhvi Salve from Nashik, Jyoti Akadhe from Jalgaon, Manjula Dhotre from Dhule, Reshma Shaikh from Parbhani, Bhagyashree Pranate from Amravati, Bhavna Jadhav from Buldhana, Ankita Aaglave from Yavatmal, Geeta Giri from Nagpur, Rabbana Hayat Khan Pathan from Wardha, Rakhi Bhotmange from Bhandara and Poornima Kumre from Gadchiroli.
MSRTC women staff face challenges during their working hours in ST. Managing Director Ranjitsinh Deol said they were aware that women face challenges, but they are working to resolve their issues. He told Sakal Times, “This is very common during the evening shift or the journey, the women staff face several challenges. We are confident that in the coming days, these drivers will not have to face the issues.”
“We are already working to set up separate rooms, drivers rooms in some big depots for them. The work will be completed in the next few days. We will also ensure that basic facilities are provided to these women drivers at all halts and stations during journey,” Ranjitsinh Deol said.
